Horse Digest September 2010

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September 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

September 2010

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September 2010

Contents Train in g wi t h To d ay’s To p Trainer s 6 Kids and Horses: Understanding Leads by Ken McNabb 8

Tips to Retraining the Arena-Shy Horse by Clinton Anderson

10 The Art of Moving Forward and Laterally or Two Tracking

by Dennis Auslam 12 True Story: A Perfect Match by Craig Cameron 14 Working In Hand- Lead at the Walk by Lynn Palm

Per f o r m anc e Ho r se 18 Teaching Your Horse To Handle a Rope by Richard Winters 20 In Our Horseback Riding Lives, Change is Always aChallenge and...

Change is a Gift by Barbra Schulte 22 Preparation, the Key to Predictable Performance by Aaron Ralston

We s t er n P le a su r e 24 More Effective Longeing by Jennifer Lindgren 26 Knowing Your Horse: Confidence, Patience, Respect—

The Foundation For A Great Relationship by Tommy Garland

Trai l Ho r se 32 “Bee” Prepared on Your Trail Rides

Horse Digest Of Interest NEWS 16 Are You Ready to Wean Your Foals?

21 Plans Progress for State of the Art Processing Plant to Humanely Slaughter Horses 21 Self-Proclaimed Wild Horse "Advocates" to Blame for Deaths of Horses 23 Basic Large Animal Rescue Techniques 32 Horse Trail Design School 2010 40 BARREL RACING BIO’S - Bob Manor of Manor Farms,going strong, enjoying the ride...

Special Sections 28 30 37 42 43 44 45

Equine Central Ready to Ride Guide Advertisers Index Traders Corner Upcoming Events Photo Classifieds Classifieds

Featured on the Cover: It does not get much better than this young gentleman with his cherished mount, ready for the show ring!

Good luck to all the 4H Youth at the fall shows!

by Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard 34 It’ll Be Fine! Part VII by Doug Lindgren 36 What’s the correct way to Tack-up? by Mary Hamilton

Eq uine VIP 38 JANE BESHEAR talks with Equine VIP by Susan Ashbrooke

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Thank you!

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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

From the Publisher’s Desk, The thrill of showing some of the horses that you have raised up from a colt is, or can be, a rewarding experience.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to travel to Elkhorn, WI and meet up with some dear friends and associates at the Regional qualifying show for Andalusians, Lusitanos and Friesians. Along for the ride from Minnesota were two of Gareth Selwood's and my horses, Madeira, a yearling filly, and Tosca, a three year old filly. Gareth brought up with him from Florida, where he now resides, some of our other horses to be shown. It was a true horsemanship reunion of horses, that I care about and care for, and people that mean a lot to me.

Midwest Horse Digest Rahn Greimann, Publisher, Owner and Editor Š 2008 Greimann Industries 35418 90th Street Blue Earth, MN 56013 507-526-5943 Fax 507-526-2629

Advertising Contacts Mark Bahls Peg Bahls 507-943-3355 mark@horsedigests.com peg@horsedigests.com Midwest Horse Digest is distributed FREE at equinerelated businesses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Northern Illinois and North and South Dakota. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Neither the advertisers nor Greimann Industries are responsible for any errors in the editorial copy.. Greimann Industries reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication. No liability is assumed for errors in or omissions of advertisers in this publication. Opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher, editors or employees, nor does publication of any opinion or statement in Midwest Horse Digest constitute an endorsement of the views, opinions, goods or services mentioned. While every possible effort is made to make our publication accurate and timely, Midwest Horse Digest does not warrant the accuracy of material contained in any article or the quality of goods or services contained in any advertisement.

Here is where the change in our normal showing routine was different. In the past I have not shown myself, with horses in hand, because they always judge these type of horses for correct movement and you need to run with the horses, at a trot, to show their stride. I have a bad back and was convinced I could not run in sand anymore. But Gareth twisted his ankle in the very first class of four days of showing, and needed some help to handle the eight horses that we had in our string. He asked if I had any better pants than the jeans that I normally wear, donated a long sleeve white shirt to me and I put on a tie that I had in my truck from church.

It was off to the races in the show arena, and man did I have fun! I have not been in the show ring, except for helping my daughters show, since my 4H days. I take that back, I did like to ride in the games at WSCA shows after the girls had done their pleasure classes.

To my surprise and pleasure, I could run, at least for a few classes a day. Most likely I could not do it all day, but adrenaline is a magical gift from God that cures a bunch of short comings when a person needs help.

I thank God every day that I am alive to see the sun and be involved with horses and the great friends that they have helped me make. My wish to all of you is that you will find the same moments of true happiness, as your life progresses.

Have a wonderful fall, Rahn Greimann

TO ALL OF OUR ADVERTISERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND READERS WE THANK YOU! Pick up Midwest Horse Digest every month at over 850 feed stores, tack shops, veterinarians, farriers and equestrian centers across the Upper Midwest. If your location does not get Midwest Horse Digest call us at 507-526-5943 or email rahn@horsedigests.com You can also view Midwest Horse Digest online each month or back issues in our online archive.

Just go to www.HorseDigests.com Please direct all editorial and correspondence, as well as change of address to: rahn@horsedigests.com or call 507-526-5943

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Selwood Park Tosca, owned by Rahn Greimann and Gareth Selwood

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Today’s Top Trainers

Kids and Horses:

Understanding Leads

by Ken McNabb with Katherine Lindsey Meehan

This month, we will cover how to teach your kids or any novice rider to understand leads: what a lead is, what the correct lead is in each direction, and how to feel which lead your horse is on. We’ll also share a training tip to get your horse on the correct lead if you are having trouble.

The lead on a circle is your horse’s leading front and hind leg. They will appear to be in front

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of the other hind and front leg as your horse travels. It is correct for the lead to be the inside leg on a circle. A circle to the right should be on the right lead, and a circle to the left should be on the left lead. When your horse is traveling in a straight line, either lead is correct.

O c c a s i o n a l l y, you may see someone put their horse on the incorrect lead intentionally. This is called a counter canter, and is used as a training exercise to improve softness and balance. A counter canter is only considered correct if the rider specifically cued their horse for the outside lead.

The other thing you may find is a horse crossfiring in the canter. This is when the horse takes one lead in the front and the other lead behind. This is never correct, and creates a very uncomfortable jerking sensation for the rider.

Many people will try to tell which lead your horse is on by looking to see which shoulder is

forward, but that puts the rider forward and out of position. Instead, I like to teach a feel for the lead so you can tell which lead you are on without looking. When your horse is on the left lead, his left hip will be driving up under him and that hip will be ahead of the other hip. This will in turn push your left hip forward slightly in the saddle, and you can tell which lead your horse is on by feeling which of your legs is farther forward in the saddle. It helps to have a spotter on the ground as you are getting the feel of this. The spotter can tell you “correct” or “incorrect” as the horse takes a lead, and you can get the feel of what you are looking for.

When you are cuing your horse for the lead, use your outside leg to help him get his hip under him, and tip his nose slightly to the inside so he is bent correctly on the circle. It’s very important that your body position stays correct as you ask for the lead. Don’t lean forward or look down, keep your chin up and sit straight in your saddle.

Also, make sure you don’t lean in on the circle.

If your body is out of position it makes it very hard for your horse to balance, and that makes it hard for him to take the correct lead. If you are leaning forward and in on the circle as you ask him to take the inside lead, it is almost impossible for him to lift that front shoulder since all your weight is now directly above it.

If you are really struggling to get your horse on the correct lead and it just isn’t happening, this is a great trick to set him up to take the correct lead automatically. Walk or trot your horse towards the fence at a diagonal angle.

When you get 4-5’ away from the fence, stop him and roll him back towards the fence, using your outside leg to help him move. As soon as he has turned past the fence, use both legs to get him into a lope. This needs to happen relatively quickly, so you don’t lose the position you have set up for. This rollback exercise sets your horse’s hip under him, so when he goes to push off for the lope, he is already in position to take the correct lead.

Practice this in both directions. Your horse will probably have one lead that he prefers.

Make sure you spend more time on the weak lead, so he develops strength evenly on both sides.

Chose a safe, broke horse for your kids to ride, and in all your training and instruction, remember to keep things simple and fun for everyone.

Enjoy the time you spend with your horses and your family, and until next time may God bless the trails you ride.

For more information on Ken McNabb’s programs call us at 307-645-3149 or go to www.kenmcnabb.com.

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Tips to Retraining the Arena-Shy Horse able for him not to go in the arena?”

You’ll do that by working the horse hard where he wants to be (outside the arena) and letting him rest where you want him to be (in the arena). You’ll do the complete opposite of what he is expecting.

Depending on how arena-shy your horse is, you might only be able to get him within 150 feet of the arena before he starts misbehaving. That will be your starting point. Using one rein to direct him, you’ll work the horse hard hustling his feet and constantly making him change directions. The more you change directions, the more he’ll use the thinking side of his brain.

Some examples of exercises you can use are: serpentines, rollbacks, trotting or cantering circles, etc. Keep in mind that you’ll be wasting your time if you let the horse drag his feet and daydream about his next meal. Make him hustle his feet and give him a reason to want to go in the arena and relax.

Work the horse for 15 to 20 minutes away from the arena and then take him into the arena and let him rest. In the beginning, you might only be able to bring the horse within 90 feet of the arena. While the horse is resting, rub him and give him a chance to catch his breath. After letting him rest for 10 minutes, go back to working him 150 feet away from the arena again for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Each time that you work the horse, you’ll take him back to your original starting point – the place he wants to be. And each time you let him rest, you’ll bring him closer to the arena. The second time you might get him 60 feet from the arena and the third time you might get him in the arena.

When you let the horse rest, drape the reins down his neck and dare him to move. If he wants to move, let him. Take him back to where you were working him and hustle his feet. Instead of

by Clinton Anderson There are few things as frustrating, or even as embarrassing, as having to deal with a horse that refuses to go into the arena. Chances are you or someone you know has had to deal with an arena-shy horse, especially if you compete in timed events.

Think of the situation from the horse’s perspective. Outside of the arena he gets to relax with his buddies while inside the arena he has to work hard and hustle his feet. As soon as he leaves the arena, he’s allowed to rest and be with his friends again.

Horses are basically lazy creatures, meaning that they always pick the option of the least amount of work. So when an arena-shy horse is walked towards the arena, his only thought is how he’s going to get out of having to go into the arena to work hard. That’s when he rears, spins around and backs up – anything he can do to not go in the arena. When a horse is misbehaving, he uses the reactive side of his brain, he’s energetic and wants to go somewhere. And the more you try to force him to behave, the more upset and nervous he gets.

Conquer His Fear When you’re working with an arena-shy horse, don’t think, “How can I make him get in the arena?” Think, “How can I make it uncomfort-

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sitting on the horse and saying, “Don’t go!” let him move, and then offer him the chance to stand still and relax. You have to give him a reason to want to be in the arena and to relax.

Do the Opposite of What He Expects The horse thinks that as soon as he steps one hoof in the arena he’s going to have to work hard and sweat. Instead, once you get in the arena, let him relax and get off of him. Put him in the barn and take the saddle off. Do the exact opposite of what he expects.

With repetition, he will soon learn that he has no reason to fear the arena. Whatever you do, don’t get the horse in the arena and immediately start working him hard because then you’ll have to start the whole process over again.

Consistency is Your Greatest Ally Practicing this exercise one day isn’t going to cure an arena-shy horse. On the first day you may get the horse inside of the arena, but that’s just the start of the process. Remember, when training a horse, consistency is your greatest ally and inconsistency is your greatest enemy.

You have to consistently chip away at his fear and resentment of going into the arena every day. If you do that, eventually, you will be able to eliminate the problem.

Author’s note: A native Australian, Clinton Anderson began his quest to become the best horseman he could be by apprenticing under top Australian trainers Gordon McKinlay and Ian Francis. In 1996 Clinton moved to America to continue training horses and apprenticed under Al Dunning, winner of multiple AQHA World Championships, before beginning to train under his own name. Clinton loves training reiners and cow horses and has been successful in both competitive arenas. Clinton is the host of Downunder Horsemanship TV, the number one rated RFD TV program that airs at 10 and 12 pm Eastern Standard Time on Tuesdays and 3 pm on Sundays. Find out more about Clinton at www.downunderhorsemanship.com.

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GAITED HORSE EXPERT “STARS” AT THE MIDWEST HORSE FAIR® along with hundreds of clinics, seminars, and events throughout the weekend offers something for everyone.

The Midwest Horse Fair® is owned by the Wisconsin State Horse Council, Inc. All proceeds from the Fair are returned to the WSHC and are used to represent and foster a unified equine industry in Wisconsin, promote the equine through leadership, education, service and com-

munication, and to take a proactive role in the future growth and development of the equine industry.

For additional information, visit www.midwesthorsefair.com or contact the Midwest Horse Fair® by phone at (920) 623-5515 or e-mail press@midwesthorsefair.com.

Since 1980, Larry Whitesell has been known as a renowned gaited horseman, with success in the show ring — winning regional, national and grand national championships. In 2002 he was trainer of the year. He has held judges cards in several gaited breeds. This celebrity in the gaited horse world will be one of the “stars” to attend the Midwest Horse Fair® on April 15-17, 2011. With a theme of “StarGrazing,” the 2011 Midwest Horse Fair® will be rolling out the red carpet for many of the top names in the horse industry. This annual equine expo is one of the nation’s top equestrian events and will be held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Initially, Whitesell trained using the traditional gaited horse methods, thinking these were the only way to yield gait. As his training progressed, he wanted to train gaited horses to a higher level so they would gait for any level rider and the riders could count on them to be safe and dependable. In his quest to learn correctness and lightness, Whitesell began studying classical dressage in the early 1990s from contemporary masters who had studied under Nuno Olivera and at classical schools in Europe. He continues his education each year from classical dressage instructors in both training and riding.

Whitesell travels the U.S. and Canada doing clinics and equine expositions. His goals are to help people understand what makes gaited horses gait so they can spare the horses from some of the training myths attached to the gaited world that are not in the best interest of the horse.

This trainer teaches riders how to help their horse to relax so they can teach a correct response to subtle cues. His clinics are a shot in the arm for any riding program, providing very intense instruction to all levels of riders that instills an eagerness they will carry with them to help further a riders relationship with their horse at home.

Started in 1979, the Midwest Horse Fair® has been continuously growing, with a strong focus on education and high-quality entertainment for individual horse owners, families, and those who just love horses. Over 500 exhibitors offer unique shopping and educational opportunities. Demonstrations and ongoing entertainment,

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www.horsedigests.com use new muscles if they do the movement correctly. Two tracking really works a horses back muscles, so in order to have a horse that is proportionate in muscle tone both sides of the horse

You will be asking the horse to move to the right while moving forward. First, tip his nose slightly to the left, apply pressure with your left leg alongside his rib cage about 3-4 inches back from your center and control some of his forward movement with your right rein. Done correctly you will note a

The Art of Moving Forward and Laterally or Two Tracking

by Dennis Auslam When I teach a horse to move forward and laterally, or two tracking, I will use a gravel road.

I do this because in my area of the country people do a lot of road riding, so in training their horses the horse becomes used to this type of riding and used to traffic, and the road itself acts as a natural barrier. The road offers you a lot of room to navigate as well.

In training the horse to two track you are teaching the horse to move sideways and forward at the same time. This maneuver, once learned, will allow you to avoid obstacles on the trail, open and shut gaits, and eventually lead to being able to side pass the horse.

Please keep in mind that this exercise can sore up a horse pretty quickly. They are going to

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need to be worked as equally as possible. You will notice, when practicing this maneuver, that if you are in tune with your horse and are moving him to the right you will feel the left side of his back elevate. This will let you know he is doing the maneuver correctly. Of course the same thing applies if you are moving him to the left, you will feel the right side of his back elevate.

Before starting this exercise you will warm up your horse with a good work out. You should also have complete control of the five body parts of your horse, which are the head and neck, the poll, the shoulders, the ribcage and the hindquarters. If you have not mastered controlling all fivebody parts on the horse you are not ready to attempt this exercise.

Check all your tack and gear before starting also. This should be done each time you ride.

Check for worn leather parts on your saddle and bridle, secure connections on your girth and any other areas of your tack that hold and keep the tack in place.

Start out on a long stretch of gravel road with limited traffic, and again, make sure your horse is used to traffic before you attempt this. As you guide your horse you will want him to follow his nose and give to pressure. When you ask him to break at the poll, or give you his head, you want him to soften right up and become collected. He needs to be soft and supple, give to the bridle when you pick up the reins and not pull on the bit.

If these are new terms for you, and you are questioning what they mean, then I am going to tell you again that you are not ready for this exercise.

Let’s start moving your horse down the road.

slight arch in the horse’s body around your left leg and you will be able to see the inside eye of the horse. What you are working at is to control the right side of the horse’s body, applying slight pressure to go vertical and controlling the forward at the same time. Lay your left leg on him and wait for him to respond correctly by taking one or two steps to the right. Your horse should free up his hindquarters and cross his left hind leg in front of his right hind leg and because you are still moving forward he should simultaneously move his forequarters over by crossing his left front leg in front of his right front leg. When he does this you are going to release the pressure immediately.

Now ask again: ask, two steps, release. Ask, two steps and release. Starting on the left side of the road, move him forward and work at moving him across to the other side of the road two steps at a time.

Do this with him a few times and then take a break, give him a pat and let him stand still for a few minutes so he can process what you just taught him. You do not need to be in a hurry to get to the other side of the road. He will not get this perfectly right off the bat, so don’t expect perfection. Remember to release the pressure when he responds correctly and be patient. It is also important that you do not over bend your horse.

It is common, when people first do this exercise, for them to over bend the horse, you just want to see the inside of his eye as you sit squarely in the saddle. It is also common, nine times out of ten, for the horse’s shoulder to get ahead of their hips, this is where you need to be diligent with your right rein, put more pressure on the right rein, almost holding it there against the neck, to slow the shoulder down and let the hip catch up.

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When your horse is moving nicely to the right with this exercise, switch, and began teaching him to two track to the left. Reverse the order of your cues, tipping his nose in to the right and applying leg pressure on the right side of his ribcage, controlling the forward movement with the left rein. When he takes a step or two, release the pressure. Everything you are going to ask for is the same as it was for moving laterally to the right; you are now just moving it to the other side of his body and reversing your cues.

When you have your horse two tracking down the road, both to the left and to the right, at a walk, and he is doing it well, you can start teaching him to do this at a trot. It may take you several days to several weeks to accomplish the walk, so do not move your gait up until he has the lesson down really well in both directions at the walk.

Every horse learns at a different rate, so be patient, cue correctly and remember to be quick to release. He will learn faster if he learns that there is a reward for a job well done, and you decrease your chances for building resistance in your horse.

The finished product of this exercise is to be able to pick those reins up, lay your leg on the horse and the horse will arch or curve his body and move laterally with very slight pressure.

If you find that you need help with this exercise please contact a professional trainer. The last thing you want to do is build resistance in your horse, so if this or any other exercise is not going well for you it is time to get professional help.

We would like to invite you to come and

watch a demonstration of Dennis and his training methods at the Belveiw Sod Days in Belveiw, MN on September 18th and at the end of September he will be at the World Games. Make plans to attend this once in a lifetime event if you can!

Dennis will also be at The Natural Gait on October 23, 2010 for a one day Confidence Clinc.

Call 877-776-2208 for more info or visit Dennis’s website.

Stay safe and happy trails! Dennis Auslam Dennis Auslam of Redwood Stables in

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Morton, MN, trains both the horse and the rider through lessons and clinics. He runs a regular schedule of clinics for Confidence Building, Horsemanship and Cattle Work, including Roping Clinics and has recently added a Challenge Trail Course to his facility.

You can email Dennis at redwoodstables@mvtvwireless.com with questions on training. - You can check his clinic and event schedule by visiting his website at www.redwoodstables.com or call 507-525-6691

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SELECTING THE RIGHT HORSE True Story: A Perfect Match

by Craig Cameron

No one ever forgets their first horse and I the day, the hand wouId bring Mac back to me. certainly remember mine. He was a brown geld- Crawling back in the saddle, I just knew Mac now ing named Mac, at least 20 gears old. I don’t would surely be ready to go. I’d get my feet going think Mac had any papers and neither he nor I 90 miles an hour again, and old Mac would move cared one bit. off in his usual slow walk.

In the shade of the huge old oak trees, on As I look back, I realize what a great old the ranch in Cat Spring, Texas where I grew up, horse Mac was. How patient and kind his horse Mac and I spent many an hour on many an soul must have been. He knew that I didn’t know. imaginary cowboy adventure.

He took care of me and my brothers and sister My brothers, Doug and Bruce, and sister He made riding safe for all of us. He was worth Francis, rode Mac bareback. He’d hold all four his weight in gold. Old Mac was part of the of us at one time. He put up with us with a kind- family, never sold, and died on the ranch. He’s ness and understanding that I’ll never forget.

I can remember riding Mac, my feet going 90 miles an hour, trying to get that old horse to move.

He’d go anywhere I wanted to, but only in a steadfast walk.

As a confident 5-year-old boy, with visions of Roy Rogers and Trigger in a dead run after the bad guys, I regarded that slow walk with more than a little frustration.

H o w e v e r, when there was real ranch work Whether you’re a novice or a great rider. One of the best ways to buy a horse is with the help to be done, the and advice of an experienced horseperson. ranch foreman, C.P Hamer, or one of the ranch hands would hunt up Mac. I can remember one of indelibly branded in my memory. He’s standing the cowboys pulling my small saddle off Mac’s under the big oak trees tied to the hitching rail back and throwing his big rig on the brown geld- with a small saddle cinched to his back, waiting ing, saying, “Craig, we need to have Mac today. for a little cowboy, with understanding and gentleWe’re working cattle.” The cowboy would swing ness in those big, brown eyes. easily into the saddle and, to my amazement, The moral of the story: Get a horse that fits would move right off into a lope. Mac would work your level of experience, needs and skills. Often all day, roping, cutting and sorting. At the end of I hear about folks buying a young horse for a

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child so they can grow up and learn together.

Both the horse and rider know nothing and that’s bad chemistry.

If you buy a horse through an auction, make sure it’s a reputable one. The horse sales associated with major performance events are usually good bets for good horseflesh, although the prices might be a bit steep. One of the most risky places to shop for a horse is at the local, weekend sale barn. You can never be confident of what’s going through the ring.

Basic Tests for a Sale Horse A prospective purchase should be able to pass the following tests: 1. Get caught easily 2. Accept halter well.

3. Stand tied.

4. Have feet handled.

5. Lead well.

6. Stand still while being saddled.

7. Accept bit willingly and unbridle willingly B. Stand still while being mounted.

9. Longe, in a circle and over some obstacles, such as a small jump, or through a gate.

10. Trailer load.

11. Walk, trot, lope and back reasonably well.

Doesn’t have to be a big stopper like a reiner, but must respond to basic cues.

12. Be level-headed - physically, mentally and emotionally —Craig Cameron, Horseman You can order Craig’s book and DVD’s at www.CraigCameron.com

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Latest Round of Endorsements for the AHC’s Welfare Code of Practice T h e American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce the American Saddlebred H o r s e Association, Appaloosa Horse Club, Harness Horsemen International, Kentucky Horse Council, North American Trail Ride Conference, and the National Reined Cow Horse Association have recently endorsed the Welfare Code of Practice.

“As demonstrated by this latest round of endorsements, the National Welfare Code of Practice embodies principles and practices that can and should be embraced by every aspect of the horse industry, regardless of breed, practice, or discipline,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.

“This latest round of endorsements emphasizes the industry’s unified commitment to the welfare and safety of horses. We look forward to bringing in as many organizations as possible to further reinforce the industry’s commitment to safety, health, care and welfare of all horses.”

The Welfare Code outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be commit-

ted to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport, and retirement of horses. Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that show their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.

They join eighteen other national groups that have already endorsed the Welfare Code. They include the: American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Endurance Ride Conference, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Arabian Horse Association, Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner’s Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, League of Agricultural and Equine Centers, Masters of Foxhounds Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Pinto Horse Association of America, the Pyramid Society, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s & Exhibitors Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, U.S. Dressage Federation, U.S. Equestrian Drill Team, U.S. Equestrian Federation, and U.S. Trotting Association.

The Code is not intended to replace or preempt any activities, rules, or regulations specific

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to any segment of the industry. Rather it is another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials, and the horse community that the equine industry “Puts the Horse First.”

To view the complete Welfare Code of Practice visit www.horsecouncil.org/WelfareCode.php As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities.

Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

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PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING‘

Building a Par tnership with Your Horse

Working In HandLead at the Walk

by Lynn Palm “In hand” work refers to teaching a horse maneuvers from the ground. It builds on the basic ground training after the horse responds well to the four basic building block commands of “come

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to me,” “move away from me,” “whoa,” and “back.” Work in hand can help sharpen and lighten the responses of an older horse, too.

Leading Chances are you are already leading your horse, but I am going to share the proper method for better control and responsiveness. If you are interested in participating in showmanship classes, your goal should be to perfect this lesson.

Leading builds on the “come to me” command introduced during the horse’s basic training in his stall. The goal is to teach the horse to be responsive to verbal commands with only the

lightest contact on the lead.

Use the Right Tools Outfit the horse with a properly fitting halter. A halter fits if one inch of its cavesson (noseband) lies below the horse’s cheekbone. The halter should not be so loose that if twisted it could rub over the horse’s sensitive eye area.

I recommend using a flat cotton longe line, rather than a lead rope, because its length gives more flexibility to move with the horse and still allows the handler to remain in contact. Instead of attaching the longe line to the bottom halter ring, thread the longe line through the halter ring on the side you are working on, over the nose or under the chin, and clip it on the ring on the opposite side of the halter for better control.

Make sure that the snap faces outward so that it will be easier to release in case of an emergency.

I like using my Palm Partnership Training™ Halter because, unlike other halters, the rings are designed large enough to allow a lead or longe line to easily fit through them. Excess longe line should be held in a loose, but organized and neat coil. Provide the horse with leg protection such as polo wraps.

Carry a 6-foot stiff dressage or “in hand” whip.

This length allows you to easily touch the horse’s hindquarters while standing in the proper leading position at the middle of his neck. Carry the whip under the arm with the end pointed down to the ground in the same hand that is carrying the excess longe line. Hold it in your left hand when leading from the horse’s near (left) side and vice versa. Never wave the tip in the air!

Practice this lesson in a small fenced paddock, corral, round pen, or ring. Start alongside the fence to help keep the horse straight and under control.

Handler Position The key to leading is the handler’s position.

Stand facing forward approximately one foot away from the horse. Keep the side of your body and shoulder perpendicular to him and positioned between his throatlatch and his shoulder.

The most common handler error is standing ahead of the throatlatch. This causes leading the horse from too far in front. In this position a handler cannot see her horse’s expression or what is happening to his body position. She is too far forward to effectively use the whip. She will tend to pull her horse forward with the longe line and use it to maintain her balance, especially when trotting the horse in hand.

The opposite problem, standing behind the

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horse’s shoulder, puts the handler “behind” her horse. A handler in this position will pull back on the lead and drag her horse’s head towards her as she struggles to keep up with him.

Our eyes are important to good horsemanship.

When leading, a handler’s eyes should be focused ahead, not looking at her feet or her horse’s hooves. With “eyes forward” a handler can see opportunities to be creative with a lesson, such as changing directions, and will be able to coordinate her actions with her horse.

Teach Him to Lead at the Walk I will explain this lesson on leading at the walk as if teaching it from a horse’s left side. Be sure to practice it on both sides.

Start alongside a fence to help keep the horse straight. Position yourself at the middle of the horse’s neck, but no further forward than his throatlatch. Keep your shoulders square and the right side of your body perpendicular to the horse. Extend your “lead” arm toward the horse in an open flexible position, rather than locking your elbow close into your body. Maintain a loose contact with the longe line so there is slack between your right hand and the halter.

When you are ready to ask the horse to walk, move your right hand forward to maintain the slack in the longe line as you give a “cluck” and the verbal command “walk.” Move with the horse as he moves into the walk. If he is reluctant to go forward, extend the left hand behind you and lightly touch or tap the tip of the whip on the horse’s hip or top of his gaskin. This encouragement will usually send him forward so be ready to move with him and maintain slack in the longe line. Keep your body in proper position as he walks forward.

To stop, ask the horse to “whoa.” Slow your walk to a stop as he stops. Be ready to move the lead hand forward to keep slack in the line in case he pushes his nose forward when stopping.

If he does not stop, move forward, closer to his head. Bring your hand in front of his face, like a stop sign, to block his forward movement. Repeat the command to “whoa.”

Practice this lesson along the fence until he is consistent in his responses and stays straight.

Add variety by changing speed within the walk and vary the distance between stopping points.

When he shows that he understands, graduate to repeating the lesson further away from the fence until you can perform it anywhere in the paddock or ring. Away from the fence the importance of the horse being straight, meaning his body is in alignment from poll to dock, will become more apparent. Only when he is straight will he be the most responsive.

Change directions, adjust the longe line to the opposite side, and repeat this lesson leading from the “off” (right) side. Be patient when working on the horse’s off side. Because we do not do as much with our horses on their right side, they can be more insecure being handled there.

My Longevity Training Visual Series, Part 3“Working in Hand,” will show you how to teach a horse to lead at walk and trot, stop, back, turn, set-up square; plus turn on the haunches, turn on the forehand, and leg yielding. It will be easier to teach these maneuvers under saddle if your horse already knows them from ground training lessons. Learn more about this series, other great training products and courses at www.lynnpalm.com or call 800-503-2824.

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September 2010 15

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Are You Ready to Wean Your Foals?

Early autumn is a time when horse owners are frequently preparing to wean foals from their dams. Proper preparation makes the process much easier.

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There are several management practices that should be in place before the foal is weaned: Make certain that the foal is consuming at least 1 pound per month of age of a feed designed for foals and weanlings. (Ex: If a foal is 4 months of age, it should be consuming at least 4 pounds of feed per day.)

Keep in mind that beyond two months of age, the dam’s milk is not sufficient to maintain adequate growth.

The foal should also have access to high quality forage, loose salt and fresh, clean water.

Ensure the foal has been vaccinated for appropriate diseases according to its health care p l a n .

Vaccination is stressful for the animal, so we do not want to do this at the same time we wean the foal.

The foal should also be de-wormed prior to weaning.

The foal should have been handled (imprint training is a great tool), taught to lead and have had its feet trimmed.

Weaning can be a high stress period for the foal. With that in mind, other high stress events should be avoided during weaning. For example, the day you wean the foal is not the day to change feeds.

There are a number of different ways to handle weaning, depending on the number of foals and the layout of the facility. There are several factors to keep in mind: There is probably less stress on the foal if it remains in the pen or paddock where it is accustomed instead of being moved to a new location.

Misery loves company. If you have more than one foal, wean at least two at a time and keep them together. If you have only one foal, perhaps you have a nice old gelding who can be a babysitter?

Make certain the pen and paddock are safe with good fencing and no hazards.

Out of sight (andearshot) means out of mind.

Mares and their foals tend to calm down faster if they cannot see and hear each other after weaning.

A few days prior to weaning, reduce the mare’s grain intake to prepare her to dry up from milk production. Her udder is going to be somewhat swollen, so don’t plan on cinching her up right away for a trail ride.

Monitor the new weanlings closely and increase feed intake to maintain growth and body condition. Because a weanling cannot digest forage as efficiently as an older horse, some weanlings can become a bit pot-bellied and look a little rough following weaning, from inadequate feed intake and too much forage.

Proper preparation can minimize weaning stress for foals and broodmares and make for a more pleasant autumn for the horse owner, too This article is brought to you by Nutrena, visit their website at www.nutrenaworld.com.

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September 2010 17

Performance Horses

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Teaching Your Horse To Handle A Rope With Richard Winters

Introducing your saddle horse to a lariat rope and getting him comfortable with its use could go a long way in training your horse to become a safe and solid equine citizen.

Even if you don’t plan on roping off of your horse, being desensitized and comfortable with the rope around his body could keep you out of trouble. It can also be helpful when attempting to pony another horse or even if your lead rope or mecate falls down around your horses’ legs while riding.

Here are some things that you can do to start the process of getting your horse broke to the lariat rope: Be handy yourself – How well do you handle a rope? Are you comfortable with a rope in your hands? Are you able to build a loop? Can you coil up a rope, naturally and smoothly, without having kinks in the rope? I’m not insisting that you have to be a great roper. However, you should get handy and comfortable with the rope in your hands.

Start with ground work – You’ll want to begin by desensitizing your horse to the feel and sound of the rope on his body. Begin to use the rope on your horses’ body just like you would a brush. It would be as if you are grooming your horse with the rope. Be smooth and use rhythm with your movements. Start at a part of his body where he is comfortable and work toward those areas where he might be more ticklish. If he is touchy about the rope around his legs, rub him on the shoulder with the rope and move down his leg and back up again – before he gets bothered. This method of approach and retreat in these areas helps a horse get braver and more confident. Take your time, these are things that you want to check out and make sure your horse can handle. You can also build a big loop and drape it over your horses’ hindquarters and lunge him in a circle. You want to make sure that your horse is not worried and

18 September 2010

is comfortable with a rope dangling around his hind legs. This is where it becomes very important to be organized: You need to be able to handle your lead rope and lariat rope efficiently to keep your horse out of trouble. If he gets scared with this exercise, jerks away from you and runs off with a lariat rope around his legs, you’ll shatter what little confidence you had established with your horse. Be sure and do all of this ground work equally on both sides. You want your horse to be comfortable dealing with the rope out of his right eye as well as his left.

Handling the rope while mounted – For the novice rider, just managing the reins and controlling the horse is a full-time job. You need to be

able to control your horse and handle the lariat rope simultaneously. If your horse is apprehensive, you might find it beneficial to be in a smaller area, such as a round pen, during the initial stages. If your horse feels like he needs to move his feet, rather than pull back on the reins you should direct your horse in small circles while moving the rope across his body smoothly and with rhythm. Allowing them to move their feet will help them feel less trapped and help them get comfortable.

Building a loop – When your horse is comfortable with a coiled rope, while mounted, you can build a small loop in your rope to show him that your rope can potentially grow. Hold the coils in your left hand, along with your reins, and build a small loop in your right hand.

Preparation means rubbing my horse all over his body with the “lariat” rope.

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Desensitizing my colt to the feel of the rope around his legs.

Passing the loop from the right to the left and back again is important. Begin to extend your arm out to the side and back again so that your horse can get comfortable with the varied movements of your body and the rope. Now, begin to

swing the rope just a time or two. Not over your head, but off to the side and back behind your body. He’ll be less bothered if the loop is not swinging up by his eye. You can also lay the l oop right over his rump and allow him to walk in

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

a few circles. Again, it’s important to stay organized. You need to make sure that you can remove the rope at any point and you also want to be sure that you don’t get the rope up under his tail. Throw a few feet of your rope on the ground while holding the remainder in your hand.

Begin to walk a circle around the rope, allowing your horse to look at it with his inside eye and get comfortable with its movement. Now, you want to be able to coil your rope back up while mounted and build another small loop. Swing the rope once or twice and toss it out on the ground again. You need to do these things repetitiously until your horse becomes acclimated and comfortable with all kinds of movement with the rope.

Getting your horse comfortable with a rope is similar to everything else we would want to desensitize him to. Be consistent, stay organized, be smooth and use rhythm in your movements. Taking the time to work on these skills will add value to you and your horses’ experience. .”For footage to compliment this article: Google “YouTube – Richard Winters Horsemanship Channel” For more information about Richard Winters Horsemanship please go to www.wintersranch.com.

September 2010 19

Performance Horses

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Performance Horse - Cutting

In Our Horseback Riding Lives, Change isAlways a Challenge and...

Change is a Gift There is always change in our horse lives.

This can happen when our horse has to be laid off. Or, we might experience a change in our financial capabilities to follow through on plans.

Or, we might get the news that a trainer or a vet is moving. These are just a few examples.

You fill in your own blanks. Change is the only thing that is sure in our lives. As I write this article, I am feeling that ultimate happy/sad state that change can bring. There's a big change happening in my life right now. But, before I go any farther, know that everything is really good. It's how it's meant to be. And, for that, I am grateful.

My experience has been a giant reminder that we never get past these challenges in our lives... how to graciously move forward when unexpected change occurs... how to flow with it... how to welcome new opportunities that were unsolicited. My current experience is a change of personnel. Kristie Marth, who has worked with Tom and me for 13 plus years will be leaving at the end of this week. She is taking a new position that accommodates the changing priorities in her life. This is big for me because she has been my right-hand person for a long time.

Kristie is a beautiful woman inside and out, a great wife, and the mother of two gorgeous little girls. She has been the ultimate assistant to me. Her work has been impeccable.

Beyond the excellence of her work, I cherished her daily cheery spirit. What a joy. I have no doubt great things are in her future. And, for that I am truly thrilled for her. Since I heard the news, I have revisited my beliefs about unexpected change. After a short time of feeling like I was knocked off-kilter by a stun gun, I decided to embrace this new transition. The following list of values and beliefs is serving as a foundation of thought to move forward. Perhaps these values might serve you some day as a resource

20 September 2010

of ways you can positively view change in your life: 1.Change always forces us to re-examine what's important. I started asking myself, "As I make decisions, what do I REALLY want?"

2. Unforeseen situations are huge reminders that change always happens. Somehow, this time I really understand that this is a part of life that will always be.

3. I happily choose to not resist the change.

I can see it as something with big gifts in it for me (and for Kristie) or as something negative. I choose to find the treasures. That helps me expect super positive things. I wonder, " What's around the corner?"

4. This experience has shown me that it's so easy to get comfortable with what's routine.

Now as we train two new, bright, promising people, I ask... what worked before?... what didn't work? It's easier to change systems that don't work when things begin anew.

5. New people bring fresh ideas. I'm expanding my world. This is a new office era. My friendship with Kristie will always be, and for that I am grateful. That will never change. Now I have the opportunity to work with a new team of people. Hmmm, I wonder, " What great contributions they will make to our endeavors?" That's exciting.

6. I've gotten really clear about MY job during this change. My job is to take charge of my response to the change ... not try to control the change itself. I have no control over anyone else. That's each person's job and really none of my business. (In the barn, when a horse gets injured, I like to think that it's God's job to work through the reasons why... my job to nurse. An injury change would be out of my control, unless of course, someone was negli-

gent.) Staying clear on MY job of how I respond during a change keeps me from unproductive, negative thought.

7. And last, but perhaps most importantly, an attitude of gratitude is the ultimate dose of good energy to any challenging situation.

Gratitude for the past, present, and future keeps me focused on all the great people and things I have... and not on who or what I don't have.

So, I wish Kristie the warmest and best of everything. I say thank you to her for all she has done. I appreciate her, and also, this exercise in change.

To Lindee Meeker and Melissa Taylor who have now joined us... I extend a warm welcome to you!!! I look forward to great, new adventures together. I welcome your input and ideas. I expect exciting things in our future together.

And, I am grateful for you.

I encourage you to embrace change in your horseback riding life and in your entire life. It's all good!

About the Author Barbra Schulte is a personal performance coach for all riders, a cutting horse trainer, author, speaker, and clinician. Visit her Blog and signup to receive her FREE monthly email newsletter, “News From Barbra”. You will also receive the high performance secrets of great riders, inspiration, cutting strategies, news, and much more. In addition, you will also receive via email Barbra’s special FREE report: “Five of the Most Important Skills of Riding”. Go now to http://BarbraSchulte.com

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NEWS

Plans Progress for State of the Art Processing Plant to Humanely Slaughter Horses Plans are progressing to site a state-of-theart processing plant designed to humanely slaughter horses in Wyoming.

The Unified Equine LLC plant is only one component of a holistic system designed to provide a solution to the problem of excess domestic horses in the United States. All horses entering the holistic Unified Equine System will be first evaluated by veterinarians. If they are in poor condition they will be sent to the Rejuvenation Program for extra feed, care, and supplementation to put them quickly back to good health. If they are in decent condition and have any prospect for use they will be sent to the Rescue Program which is a collaborative effort with college and university equine training programs and private horse trainers to train, re-train and market horses. If they are inappropriate for either slaughter or other aspects of the system such as pregnant mares, colts, yearlings, and weanlings they will be put on pasture until ready for re-evaluation and placement. Finally, those horses that are past their useful life, unsound and unable to recover, or dangerous and untrainable will be humanely processed.

All facilities for the handling of horses, and systems and procedures for the humane killing of horses will be designed by world renowned animal scientist Dr. Temple Grandin and her team at Grandin Livestock Systems. The rest of the facility is being designed by Randy King of King Construction and Wayne Schmeeckle of Schmeeckle Brothers who are respected contractors in the meat processing industry. Once constructed the facility will be under constant third-party video monitoring to ensure humane handling and food safety. All products will be produced under American Meat Institute regulations and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture – Meat Inspection which meets or exceeds USDA requirements for food safety, and all products will be certified as being humanely produced.

Three legal entities will manage and operate the entire system. The United Horsemen’s Front, an existing 501c3 nonprofit has shortened its name to United Horsemen, moved registration from Oregon to Wyoming, and will oversee the Rejuvenation, Rescue, and Pasture portions of the Unified Equine System. A new legal entity, Unified Equine LLC has been set up to operate the meat processing and associated enterprises.

The United Organizations of the Horse, a mutual benefit nonprofit formed for political action will continue, but will not be the main focus of any part of the system.

Once complete the processing facility will be capable of humanely processing 200 horses per day for meat and byproducts. Initial product will be primarily marketed as zoo diet and pet food.

This new facility is planned to be sited on property near Guernsey, Wyoming.

Unified Equine LLC is finalizing cost esti-

mates and beginning the process of acquiring the necessary financing and permitting that will be required, a process anticipated to take at least six months. Once construction begins the plant should be operational within six months.

At full capacity the facility will create approximately 100 good paying jobs with competitive benefits in a rural area that is economically depressed. Hiring preferences for construction and operating positions will be given to local workers. A comprehensive training and safety program will be implemented, and all permanent employees will be stock-owning partners in the enterprise.

Visit www.united-horsemen.org for information and current updates.

Self-Proclaimed Wild Horse "Advocates" to Blame for Deaths of Horses Self-proclaimed wild horse "advocates" are fully to blame for the unnecessary and preventable deaths of horses during the Tuscarora wild horse gather.

Wild horse litigation mills that continually bring obstructive and spurious court action to block the legally required management efforts of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to control the over-population of free roaming horses on public lands caused the death and unnecessary suffering of the very horses they are purporting to protect.

First, court action delayed the planned start of the Tuscarora gather to the heat of the summer when water was already scarce on the range where there were more than 1,200 more horses in the Horse Management Areas (HMA) than the available forage and water could support. The horses were already suffering and severely

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stressed from the lack of water. Then the advocate groups filed yet another temporary injunction, after the gather was already in progress. At that point, horses were dying on the range from lack of water, and so weakened they could not survive the transfer to feed and water.

Even though these excess horses had been severely impacting adjourning ranch lands, compassionate ranchers worked with the BLM and voluntarily opened their fences to allow the horses to come to what water was still available. But the ranchers and the BLM were legally prevented from moving the horses because of the injunction, so they could not get them from where they were dying, to where they could drink. When finally the judge ruled on the side of common sense and compassion, sadly for far too many of the horses, it was already too late.

It is time to stop the unmitigated damage caused by groups who make their living off of litigation. It is time for those who truly care about the well-being and sustainability of free-roaming horses, and every other living creature that depends on our public lands, to work together with the BLM to manage all animals and the land responsibly. We cannot allow well funded radical animal rights and environmental fringe groups to cause a multi-generational ecological disaster that will take hundreds of years and billions of dollars to repair, not to mention destroying the communities and the social fabric of the people who live and depend on the health of the land.

It is time to stop the abuse being inflicted on the land, the animals, and the people through the courts. We have learned that many environmental groups are being fully funded by Equal Access to Justice Act Funds (EAJA) that use our tax dollars to litigate over everything, creating horrific financial and emotional costs on private individuals and communities who are defenseless. One has to wonder if this same travesty is not being used as by so-called horse advocates and animal rights organizations. With no accountability of EAJA funds there is no way to tell.

The United Organizations of the Horse and our tens of thousands of like-minded supporters across the West and the Nation join with a plethora of conservation organizations, wildlife organizations, true animal welfare (as opposed to animal rights) groups, groups advocating for the responsible management of public lands, local and state governments, tribes, communities and federal agencies charged with management of lands, concerned citizens and horse lovers to stand with and assist the BLM in their charge to provide for a thriving ecological balance on Western public lands.

Visit www.united-horsemen.org for current updates.

September 2010 21

Performance Horses

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P

reparation, the Key to Predictable Performance

by Aaron Ralston

Believe it or not, my competition at the world equestrian games in Aachen Germany was not the first time I had rode for the gold medal. The scenario had gone through my mind a couple of years earlier as a day dream of proving myself to the world. I did not have a plan but I saw myself in the position of representing not only myself and my horse, but the thousands of reining horse fans and equine enthusiasts from across our country. ] I remember as a part of my daydream realizing that I knew nothing about being in a

high pressure situation of that kind.

After qualifying for team USA, I had a long drive home from Lexington, KY to Silt, CO for the circumstances to soak in.

This responsibility took me to the highest feelings of pride to the lowest fears of failure. For 27 hours I rode one of the largest roller coasters of my life through some of the flattest states in the US. It was during that tumultuous drive that I only had one option, Prepare.

I remembered reading an interview with Tom Brady of the New England Patriots when he was asked if he ever gets nervous, paraphrased, he said only if I’m not prepared. He went on to talk about the detail in which he prepared in order to better predict his perform-

ance. Physically and mechanically I knew I just needed to do what I did to get there, however, mentally I had very little reference to know what to expect. I played all of the situations out in my mind until I exhausted my imagination. I then rode into the arena with more confidence than any time in my career; I knew my horse, accepted the expectations, and told myself “if I held anything back I would regret it for as long as I lived”. The result was the high score for team USA and a narrow one point victory over team Canada. I truly feel that the gold medal was not won that day, but during the first daydream and that long drive home from Kentucky that sparked a call to action.

Stay tuned, sit back, and hold on for the ride.

Aaron Ralston

Aaron Ralston was born and raised on his family’s ranch in Western Colorado. Horses have influenced his life from his early rodeo career to his accomplishments in reining and working cow horse competitions all over the NEW DVD Released: world. Aaron was the 2004 AQHA Sr. Reining Reserve World Champion and in 2006, he was part of Team USA at the World Equestrian Games, held in Aachen, Germany.

Riding Smart Paul Olena, Aaron led the Team to a Team Gold Medal and took the RSNC President, Dave Whether you are new to the sport or looking to improve Bronze medal in the Individual Wolfe, and professional horse- your performance, this instructional DVD will help you Reining Competition. Aaron is man, Aaron Ralston, have get to the pay window sooner. also the host of “The Ride” produced a Ranch Sorting which airs every Monday on Instructional DVD that not only At the cost of just one or two entry fees, this is a RFD TV. covers the basics of competi- “must have” DVD! Only $30 including shipping for a tion but also provides detailed limited time.

Visit www.cowhorseproexamples of techniques that ductions.com for info on both beginning and competitive Visit the RSNC website to order yours today! clinics, “The Ride” tv show and Ranch Sorters need to know. www.rsnc.us more.....

RSNC President, Dave Wolfe, and professional horseman, Aaron Ralston produce Ranch Sorting instructional DVD

22 September 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

by Kathy Nelson, UW School of Veterinary Medicine Large animals in a dangerous situation require educated first responders to safely rescue the animal and keep the rescue team out of danger.

The setup and management of the scene is critical, since lights, noise and the movement of the rescuers can have dramatic impact on trapped and frightened animals, making them unpredictable. But where can individuals receive information and training on basic large animal rescue techniques?

The UW School of Veterinary Medicine along with the Wisconsin State Horse Council Equine Foundation will be offering two one-day seminars on basic techniques of large animal rescue in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, October 15 & 16, 2010. The courses will be taught by Eric Thompson, a national responder and instructor for Code 3 Associates in Kansas.

If the name Eric Thompson is familiar to you, it may be from hearing him speak at the 21st Annual Seminar for the Serious Horse Owner, presented by the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, February 2010. The popularity of this program sparked interest from riding clubs across Wisconsin along with a request to bring him back to provide more intense, hands-on training to individuals. Thompson, chief animal control officer for the Overland Park Police Department, Kansas is a national responder and instructor for Code 3 Associates and is Operations Manager for the Emergency Equine Response Unit.

He is certified in water, mud, rock, ice, fire, and trailer rescue of animals. He has received 25 certificates of achievement from FEMA in disaster planning.

The upcoming trainings will be

BASIC LARGE ANIMAL RECUE TECHNIQUES

held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Horse enthusiasts, from horse owners to animal medical personnel, animal control officers and emergency personnel (firefighters, EMT, police) will find this hands-on animal rescue event beneficial when faced with an emergency.

Participants will learn how to respond to onroad and off-road large animal rescue (LAR) incidents by participating in scenario training with both live horses and life-size, weighted, articulated manikins. These scenarios will allow training for virtually any LAR situation.

On-Road Accidents: Transportation of large animals on the roadways is an everyday event as animals are transported for sport, competition and pleasure. A sudden stop or a steep shoulder can cause a trailer to tip over. In the event of an accident, someone will call 911 first. If the first responders have knowledge of LAR it will help resolve an incident more quickly and safely, thus minimizing the impact on traffic flow and harm to human and animal lives. Knowledge of

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trailers and their construction is essential for safe and successful extraction.

Off-Road Accidents: If there is a situation a horse can get into, it will find it—stranded on ice, stuck in a ditch, or swept off in a fast river, and more. Off-road LAR generally involves moving or assisting an animal to safety. The terrain, weight of the animal, length of haul, and available anchors will determine the choice of a particular haul system. Knowledge of different haul systems and how to best deal with the situation can mean the difference between life and death of an animal. A team must conduct operations with ample space around the victim. Whatever hauls system rescuers are using, they must be trained to accommodate the unpredictability of the animal. The haul team must work in concert with the animal handler to manage this live load. In all instances, clear communication is essential.

A clear communication system, team cooperation and different types of hauling procedures will be part of this rescue training. Owners of horses should ask their area emergency personnel if they are trained in large animal rescue and let them know about this session. Multi-agency responses allow animal control, firefighters, veterinarians, the owner, and, if necessary, law enforcement to meet their responsibilities and achieve common goals – to safely protect the life of your animal in a disaster situation.

To obtain more information about this training, contact the UW School of Veterinary Medicine’s Office of Continuing Education at (608) 2655206 or visit their web site at www.vetmed.wisc.edu/ce.

September 2010 23

Western Pleasure

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More Effective Longeing

by Jennifer Lindgren

Do you know how to properly longe a horse?

Not many people do. Longeing often gets a bad rap, and for good reason. When performed improperly, longeing can damage a horse physically and frustrate him emotionally, doing more harm than good. Longeing is very confining to a horse. When the horse is worked too long, kept on a short line, or is pulled harshly, he can easily damage his legs or his back. Many handlers behave like predators instead of trainers. I have seen objects thrown at the horse, the line thrown into his hind legs, whipping of the hind

24 September 2010

legs, and whip cracking that would make a rustler cringe.

The idea behind longeing is to allow a horse to work freely and willing on a long line while the handler remains at a safe distance yet in full control. Your horse should be as comfortable working 25 feet from you as he is walking beside you. In addition to warming up his mind, longeing enables a horse to release some energy and frustration without risking the safety of a rider. It is a great tool to test out tack and try new training aids. When performed correctly, longeing will help develop a horse's strength and stamina, build both their haunches and topline, and improve balance and cadence.

But because most horse owners feel it is a simple exercise, it is undertaken without much thought or direction and the benefits are never fully achieved.

Longeing should never be about instilling fear or wearing down the horse. It should operate just like any other training session where the horse and rider perform in a partnership. Effective longeing can benefit every type of horse, especially those who compete and trail ride. It is especially useful when you travel and don't have access to turnout. Whether you want to get that extra bit of energy out of a horse who has been cooped up in a trailer

or stall, assess a moody mare's personality, let a green horse adjust to the saddle, or introduce new objects and aids, longeing is a skill that should be taught to every horse you own.

Longeing Equipment: All you really need to get started is a halter, a longe line, protective boots or wraps, and a longe whip or “stick”.

More advanced longe exercisers may use a snaffle bit, side reins, saddle, or longeing caveson.The type of longe line depends upon your preference, but I advise against using a flat nylon line. If the horse pulls, it can easily slice a finger open. I prefer a cotton line or rope 25 – 30 feet long. I always bring a stick with but it honestly spends more time lying in the dirt than in my hand. Leg protection is necessary because when a horse moves constantly on an arc, his legs are a higher risk for injury.

Getting Started: If I am longeing to warm up for a ride, I always saddle up first. This gives the horse an opportunity to settle into the idea of work and it gives me a chance to make sure the tack fits properly and is comfortable. If the horse wants to get a buck or two out, I'd rather be watching it from afar than feeling it from up top.

Clip the line onto the bottom ring on the halter or longe caveson and walk your horse out to a safe, level area, avoiding deep sand or slippery footing. Have the excess line in large loops in one hand and the whip in the other. You will switch hands when you switch directions. Point your line hand straight out towards the horse's head, level with his mouth and let out a few feet of line while stepping back. If you are starting to the right, your right arm will be holding the line and your left arm will hold the stick. Point the stick arm directly at the haunches to drive the horse forward. Your arms should remain open and in this “V” position while the horse is moving.

Keep your chest pointed to the horse's shoulder, and move with the horse as he circles. The line should maintain soft contact with the horse, neither dragging nor becoming too tight. Your circle will start small and slowly widen while the horse continues forward. Release more line while you step back. To shorten the line and decrease circle size, gradually take in a loop or two. Practice at the walk with different circles sizes prior to moving to the trot. If the horse is reluctant to move forward, ask him to move by tapping the whip on the ground. If he is still being lazy, ask him again by bringing the whip up towards his hip. If he still doesn't move out, tell him to by tapping him with the whip on the buttocks. Be prepared, he may get a sudden

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burst of energy! If you have a horse that moves forward too quickly, drop the whip, regain control and ease him back down to a suitable speed. As you become an expert at handling the line and the whip, you will be able to adjust a horse's speed by merely moving your whip hand. If you are ever in jeopardy of being dragged, let go.

Your safety must come first.

Longeing Tips: Just as in riding, good hands are important and gentle contact with the face will ensure smooth transitions. The handling of the line and whip takes a lot of practice and patience. If you allow a horse to trot around mindlessly you will reap little benefit from longeing.

However, if you ask for a change of speed or gait after every 3 circles, he will keep his attention upon you. A change of direction should occur at least twice in the session. Do not longe more than 10 - 15 minutes. Use good judgment for circle sizes. A lope circle should use the full length of the line while a walk circle can be very small. If you lose focus or attention, your horse will too. When the horse looks out of the arc or circle, and is paying more attention to someone other than you, ask for a transition downward, decrease your circle size for one full rotation, then go back to your previous gait and circle size. Many times a horse will stop, turning his shoulder towards the handler with his hip out of the circle. With the line now on the ground, the handler is forced to take a moment to gather up the line and reposition themselves to send the horse forward again.

The horse stands there laughing at the the handler who is fumbling to regain control. Once a horse learns he gets to stop this way, he will wait for the right moment to do it again. To avoid the “turn in”, keep your focus on the horse and your whip hand at waist height or above.

The second he begins that turn into the circle to stop, step quickly towards his hip (the opposite direction of his movement), swing the whip towards his hip, and move him forward. If stopping on his own brings more work, he will soon give up challenging you. When you want him to stop, point the whip to the ground (I like to put in under my line arm), say whoa, and gently tighten your hold on the line until the horse stands still. While you walk towards the horse, re-loop the line until it is all securely held in one hand. To reverse, change your line and whip hand, turn the horse in the opposite direction, and send him off in a small slow circle. As always, when your session is complete, praise your horse for a job well done.

Longeing is a great training tool when done properly and an ideal conditioning exercise when riding is neither safe nor suitable. A weekly longeing exercise is a great tool to improve communication between horse and handler. I highly recommend it be taught to all horses and riders. If you have questions about your technique, email a video and I'll send you my critique.

Good Luck and Ride Safe.

Jennifer Lindgren has been an All-Breed Judge since 1985. She is an experienced competitor who has earned Regional and National awards in Halter, Western Equitation and Hunter. She loves all breeds of horses and keeps her private collection in Grant Park, IL. contact: jenlind22@msn.com

HOW A 19 YEAR OLD EQUESTRIAN FASHION DESIGNER IS BUILDING HER BUSINESS My name is Lindsey Todt and I am a 19-year-old Equestrian/Fashion Designer of horse show apparel. The motivation for my work came into my life when I was nine years old, in the form of the Christmas present of a lifetime, a three-yearold liver chestnut Morgan horse named MJK Afternoon Delight (TVM I Promise x HVK Grand Delight). I was absolutely ecstatic to call him mine! Then when the following show season arrived, Delight and I competed in our first show in the walk/trot division at a local “A” rated show which earned us two reserve championships. Little did I know six years later he would become the biggest inspiration of my life!

In 2007, I was 16 years old and looking for some new and fresh show clothes to wear in my hunt seat show classes. I designed my first outfit, which I wore to our first show of the season; the outfit was a baby blue jacket with a navy shirt with stunning Swarovski Crystals.

I had never had so many compliments on an outfit before. Shortly after that, I established Diamond Delight Clothing, named after my horse.

I started selling hair bows and hunt shirts to friends in my area.

Shortly after that I began designing and producing saddle seat vests.

In addition to the clothing line, I designed the entire website for my company from start to finish. I brought my clothing line to the 2009 Massachusetts Equine Affaire where I met some big time names in the equine industry. That was a memorable weekend that I will never forget.

A short time has passed; I am now 19 and currently working harder than ever to create stunning hunt seat, saddle seat, dressage and western apparel. My over the-top personal style for equestrian fashion radiates through the Diamond Delight Clothing collection.

After showing Morgans for eight years, I am now determined to bring my show stopping appearance to the Diamond Delight Clothing brand. While running my clothing line I am also working on getting two bachelor’s degrees: in Equine Science and Business Management. Along with getting my two degrees I am also pursuing a trainer’s certificate and an instructor’s certificate. Someday I hope to become a renowned trainer in the industry.

The eye-catching hunt seat Swarovski beaded collars represent everything that is glitzy and glamorous. Saddle seat shirts, hunt shirts, exclusive hair bows, stock pins, stock ties, bun covers, ties, & vests are designed for the girl intent on raising eyebrows.

I am proud to announce that the new L&D line is now here! The L&D line captures exclusive Western apparel that clearly reflects my over-the-top personal style. Western jackets that sparkle are paired with chaps that can be customized to match any style seamlessly.

Eye-catching Hunt seat Swarovski beaded collars represent everything that is glitzy and glamorous. Beautifully coordinated accessories including hat bands, ties and shadbelly points complete each outfit flawlessly. Custom saddle suits, tuxes, hunt coats and dressage coats are made with some of the finest fabrics available today and are imported from around the world.

Diamond Delight Clothing will be attending the 2010 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts.

Please visit us in the Better Living Center, booth # 537.

As I mentioned before the biggest inspiration in my life is Delight — I tell everyone I meet that without this horse I would not be the person I am today. If you have a dream follow it, never let anyone tell you that you can’t make it. I have followed my dreams to directing, creating, and establishing my clothing line. I also have to thank my family for believing in me and supporting me through this adventure. Dreams Really Do Come True!

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Visit www.DiamondDelightClothing.com TODAY!

September 2010 25

Western Pleasure

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Knowing Your Horse Confidence, Patience, Respect— The Foundation For A Great Relationship With Your Horse

By Tommy Garland

"Reprinted with permission from Arabian Horse Times."

In this column I’m going to start with something that is basic to a productive relationship with our horses. At clinics and demonstrations, I get requests from many people—in almost every case people who are not professional trainers but handle their own horses, and want to learn more about the best ways to do it. They’re looking for that true connection that comes when both horse and human know their job and can count on each other. It is up to the human to develop that, and from my point of view, the best place to start is at the beginning. The foundation of my program is CPR: confidence, patience, respect. They are the three ingredients for a successful relationship.

Here’s the deal. Your horse has to respect you in order for you to have a true partnership.

But as a separate being, and a large one at that, he may have his own priorities. So, how do you instill respect without resorting to excessive force (which, in my book, is not the solution)? The answer is, you begin with a simple order that the horse understands, and you repeat it until he or she learns the routine. How does that work?

Again, it is simple. At the lowest, easiest level, you are training your horse to pay attention to

26 September 2010

you, listen to you, and respect you. It is the foundation you need before you go on to more advanced training.

This simple order is an important one. It is “Whoa.”

It’s amazing how many people cannot get their horse to ‘whoa.’ So, let’s begin on the ground. I call this procedure “three strikes and you’re out.” With the horse wearing just a halter and lead line, I’ll walk beside him and ask him to whoa. Then, again, whoa.

And on the third whoa, if he hasn’t stopped or is trying to stop, I’ll give the lead shank a jerk. You don’t need to be rough; just be firm. Get his attention and say “Whoa.” You can use a rope, nylon, or leather halter, or any kind you want. If the horse is kind of belligerent or bull-headed, or just very dull, I will add a chain to a regular halter to get him to whoa. When I give that little jerk it makes him listen, or at least, it starts making him think. And it’s not like I have to be a bodybuilder to pull his head around; this system works for someone very small and light in frame to get better control of his or her horse.

That is the first step, but it is an essential one. I get emails from people all over the country who describe lunging a horse and he pulls out of their hands and runs away, or he’s running over top of them. When they shank him or jerk on him, it doesn’t mean anything, and the horse starts getting pushy and argumentative, taking advantage of them. Or, if not that blatant, there are many people out there who are not assertive enough to get the horse to listen to them. He’s just trotting around, looking here, looking there, and when the person tells him to whoa, he just doesn’t pay attention. The person is not strong enough with the halter to get him to listen, and it can take 45 minutes before there is even a response.

Step two is to start lunging the horse in a cir-

cle. I break the circles into halves. Every half, I’ll ask him to stop by using the whoa, whoa, whoa method. If he doesn’t stop, I give a little jerk on the lunge line. Ask again, go half the circle. If no response, give another little jerk. Ideally, you can put a cone at each end of the circle, which will help train you to ask him to whoa when he gets to the same place, so you get in the rhythm of where to stop. Horses learn through repetition, so as he grasps the lesson, step up the pace.

The more consistent you are and the more quickly he responds, the easier it is for him to retain the lesson. If you give a long pause between each whoa, it will be harder for him to remember until he gets trained to do it. Some horses will pick this up in 10 minutes and for some it may take days, because they just keep going along, not paying attention. But once I think he knows to whoa, I’ll test him. When I put the lead shank on, I just let it hang there. As the horse walks along, I say “whoa.” If he responds correctly, we’re ready to go to the next step.

One reason this lesson is important is that it gives you something to revert back to when you find that your horse is not listening. Just drop back, repeat the lesson so that he relearns the correct behavior, and then you can move on. You have his attention again and he’s listening to you.

What I’m saying is that there are ways to train horses that do not involve a great deal of force. You can think outside the box. That’s why repetition becomes your friend in all parts of t raining. The more repetitive you are, the more ingrained the lesson gets in your horse’s head.

They learn it quicker, and it’s there for a long period of time. The common problem most people have is that they are good at starting something, but not so good at finishing it. They get about three-quarters of the way through teaching a horse, and then stop. That means they don’t establish a good foundation in the horse’s training.

My practice is to do a session lasting from 30 to 45 minutes, and the first lesson is the ‘whoa.’ It is not only a foundation for further training, but also for manners. Imagine what

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happens if he doesn’t know to obey that command—for instance, he can run away from you, or more dangerously, run toward you. I use a 15foot cotton lead, and if a horse runs toward me, I shake the shank to stop him from moving forward. You have to get him to stay back, and know to whoa at the end of the lead line, because he needs to respect your space. The only time he should come in to you is when you take a hold and ask him to come in to you.

That’s CPR. Through gaining his respect, your horse gets more confidence, and you get more confidence; it empowers you that you can do it. But it takes patience. You can’t get frustrated and lose your cool. So many people get frustrated and don’t think the lesson through. They let their horse’s behavior get to them, and that’s where they lose. This is especially true in today’s stressful world, with the economy, the normal demands of life, and the shortage of time. Most people have a genuine desire to bond with their horses, but most of us have limited amounts of time to just enjoy them. So, it is natural that when we get those precious hours with our horses, we feel pressure to have everything go easily, and it’s frustrating when it doesn’t. We all need to take the time to enjoy our horses and just let that part of our day—those 45 minutes—be stress-free.

We need to take our time, pay attention to our horses just as we ask them to pay attention to us.

We need to focus on them. That’s what we have them for.

Minnesota Equifest 2010 Brings You Loads of Fun, Top Trainers, Rodeo and Great Shopping!

NEW!!!

The Minnesota Rodeo Association will be presenting a first class rodeo. Tickets will be available at the Coliseum Ticket Office. Admission to the Minnesota EquiFest is required. Some of the events taking place will be bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, break away and barrel racing. Ticket prices are Adults $10.00 Children $8.00 One performance each day. Saturday at 5:00pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

Back Again!!! Extreme Cowboy Horsemanship Challange. The Minnesoat EquiFest is proud to again host this event. The North Central Region Extreme Cowboy Association is hosting the Challenge. Challenges have been specificallydesigned to invite riders of all levels to participate and enjoy the "fastest growing equine sport in the nation" For more detailed information, contact Chris Vinson, 715-

928-0816 or email at chris@3S-Ranch.com Presenting this year: University of Minnesota speakers, Minnesota Farriers Association, Minnesota Mounted Shooters, Cleary Veterinary Clinic, Minnesota Saddlebred Association, Dutch Oven Cooking, Dennis Auslam, Robert Beck, Dana Boyd, Karen Lee, Mary Ruth Parks, Tracy Porter, Richard Shrake, Werner Thiedemann, Dr. Tom Tweeten demonstrating grooming, and Mari Monda Zdunic, demos and lectures, and of course, a great showcase of Midwest vendors.

Interested in purchasing your first horse or maybe just being a “cowboy” for the day, PLAN ON ATTENDING THE MINNESOTA EQUIFEST - October 16-17 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, MN. For information visit www.minnesotaequifest.com

About Tommy Garland Tommy Garland has ridden horses all his life and credits his trainer father, also named Tommy with teaching him much of what he learned early on about horsemanship. Tommy has spent the past 30 years training, not only Arabians and Half-Arabians but Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, Paints and Mules as well. His techniques have been universally accepted, respected and utilized by horse owners of all breeds and disciplines.

Tommy regularly holds clinics throughout the United States, contributes to several well-known equine publications and is still actively training and competing. In addition, he just released a new series of training DVDs and his new TV show will be appearing late summer or early fall 2010.

Tommy resides in Virginia with his wife Dawn and children, Samantha, Katie and TBird (Tommy Jr.). For additional information on Tommy’s products, training aids, DVDs, clinics and expo schedules, please visit www.tommygarland.com or email us at info@tommygarland.com.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

September 2010 27

www.horsedigests.com

The perfect place to advertise your Stable, Training Facility, Events, Stallions and more...

Great Value, Great Exposure... both in print and online!

Call Mark or Peg - 507-943-3355 mark@horsdigests.com peg@horsedigests.com

28 September 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Feed expert serves up education at Midwest Horse Fair®

The Midwest Horse Fair® will welcome feed consultant Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. to the April 15-17, 2011 event. Each year this equine expo, held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis., brings in an incredible array of top clinicians and exhibitors from all over the country. With the 2011 theme of “StarGrazing,” the Midwest Horse Fair® will be another opportunity to let the stars of the horse industry shine.

Based in beautiful rural Bayfield, Colo., Dr. Getty runs a consulting company, Getty Equine Nutrition, LLC, through which she offers private consultations and designs customized feeding plans to promote horses' health, reverse illness, and optimize performance.

Dr. Getty has been called a “pioneer in free choice forage feeding,” and her articles and interviews often appear in national and international publications. A former university professor and recipient of several teaching awards, she is a popular speaker, and is author of the book, Feed Your Horse Like a Horse, based on the premise that horses (and other equines) should be fed in sync with their natural instincts and physiology.

Horse owners and caretakers hungry for knowledge have several resources, offered by Dr. Getty, for dependable information on feeds and feeding: a growing library of articles and recorded lectures, quizzes to test your nutrition knowledge, plus a monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought, all available through her website (www.GettyEquineNutrition.com). Her teaching and advice are based on sound science and her more than twenty years as a respected c onsultant and practitioner in the equine nutrition field.

Started in 1979, the Midwest Horse Fair® has been continuously growing, with a strong focus on education and high-quality entertainment for individual horse owners, families, and those who just love horses. Over 500 exhibitors offer unique shopping and educational opportunities. Demonstrations and ongoing entertainment, along with hundreds of clinics, seminars, and events throughout the weekend, offers something for everyone.

The Midwest Horse Fair® is owned by the Wisconsin State Horse Council, Inc. All proceeds from the Fair are returned to the WSHC

and are used to represent and foster a unified equine industry in Wisconsin, promote the equine through leadership, education, service and communication, and to take a proactive role in the future growth and development of the equine industry.

For additional information, visit www.midwesthorsefair.com or contact the Midwest Horse Fair® by phone at (920) 623-5515 or e-mail press@midwesthorsefair.com.

Hunter/Jumper trainer reaches new heights at the Midwest Horse Fair®

Hunter/Jumper and Equitation trainer Nick Karazissis will be in the spotlight at the April 1517, 2011 Midwest Horse Fair®. Each year this equine expo, held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis., brings in an incredible array of top clinicians and exhibitors from all over the country. With the 2011 theme of “StarGrazing,” the Midwest Horse Fair® will be another opportunity to let the stars of the horse industry shine.

Karazissis will travel to the Midwest from Woodland Hills, Calif., where his Far West Farms is not only one of the oldest, but one of the most successful businesses on the West Coast in the fields of Equitation, Hunters and Show Jumping.

For more than 30 years, Far West Farms has been synonymous with quality, tradition and blue ribbons, turning out scores of champions on the West Coast, and on the national level.

Karazissis with his brother Kost, sister-in-law Jenny, and daughter Cassandra, have consistently had Far West riders and horses winning Year End Awards in U.S. Hunter/Jumper

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Association (USHJA) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association (PCHA) horse shows for many years.

Over the last 40 years of teaching, Karazissis has also been responsible for training numerous hunter and equitation champions, and importing and training a number of outstanding horses that have also been West Coast Champions. Many of his very successful students have gone on to become prominent professional trainers and riders. Karazissis’ personal successes have included the opportunity to mentor these respected professionals.

Karazissis’ consistent show ring success has made him an extremely popular clinician. He’s been giving clinics throughout the United States for over 20 years. Karazissis is also a USEF “R” judge and has held his judges card for over three decades.

When he is not giving clinics, judging, training or attending shows with clients, Karazissis is busy donating his time to the governance of the sport. He serves as the United States Hunter/Jumper Association/United States Equestrian Federation (USHJA/USEF) Zone 10 Chairman and is on the USHJA Hunter Council and the USHJA Official’s Education Committee.

He gives his time as part of the USEF Equitation Task Force and is also on its Continuing Education Committee. He’s also served for many years on the boards of directors of the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association and California Professional Horseman’s Association.

Karazissis’ latest contribution to the sport is organizing, writing and directing the new “Get Connected DVD” which is one of the main clinic tools used for all USEF Hunter/Equitation Clinics.

Started in 1979, the Midwest Horse Fair® has been continuously growing, with a strong focus on education and high-quality entertainment for individual horse owners, families, and those who just love horses. Over 500 exhibitors offer unique shopping and educational opportunities. Demonstrations and ongoing entertainment, along with hundreds of clinics, seminars, and events throughout the weekend offers something for everyone.

The Midwest Horse Fair® is owned by the Wisconsin State Horse Council, Inc. All proceeds from the Fair are returned to the WSHC and are used to represent and foster a unified equine industry in Wisconsin, promote the equine through leadership, education, service and communication, and to take a proactive role in the future growth and development of the equine industry.

For additional information, visit www.midwesthorsefair.com or contact the Midwest Horse Fair® by phone at (920) 623-5515 or e-mail press@midwesthorsefair.com.

September 2010 29

Trail Horse

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READY-TO-RIDE GUIDE ILLINOIS - Trail Rides 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141 www.34ranch.com Bay Creek Wilderness Rides, Shawnee National Forest, Simpson, IL.; 618-695-2670 www.baycreekranch.com Bear Ranch Horse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; Shawnee National Forest, 618-672-4249, www.bearbranch.com Cedar Lake Ranch, LLC, Vienna, IL.; 618-695-2600, www.cedarlakeranchllc.com Circle B Ranch HOrse Camp, Eddyville, IL.; 618-672-4748, www.circlebranch.com

Double M Campground, Junction, IL.; 618-275-4440, www.doublemcampground.com Jim Edgar Panther Creek, IL.; 217-452-7741 Little Lusk Trail Lodge, Harrisburg, IL.; 618-672-4303 One Horse Gap Trail Ride, New Hope Hill, IL.; 618-264-7433, www.onehorsegap.com York Hills Horse Park, Albion, 260-564-0305, www.yorkhillshorsepark.com Riding Vacations 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141 www.34ranch.com Hayes Canyon Campground, Eddyville, IL.; 618-672-4751 www.hayescanyon.com Overnight Stabling 34 Ranch & Camp, Herod, IL. 618-264-2141, www.34ranch.com Public Lands Argle Lake State Park, Colchester, IL.; 309-776-3422 Big River State Forest, Keithsburg, IL.; 309-374-2496 Chain Lakes State Park, Spring Grove, IL.; 847-587-5512 Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, DeWitt, IL.; 217-935-8722 Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston, IL. 217-345-6416 Giant CityState Park, Makanda, IL.; 618-457-4836 Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Sheffield, IL.; 815-454-2328 Kankakee River State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.; 815-933-1383

Lake Le-Aqua-Ne State Park, Bourbonnais, IL.; 815-369-4282 MatthiessenState Park, Utica, IL.; 815-667-4868 Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Collison, IL.; 217-442-4915 Moraine View State Park, Leroy, IL.; 309-724-8043 Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, Newton, IL.; 618-783-3478 Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, IL.; 618-786-2156 Rock Cut State Park, Loves Park, IL.; 815-885-3311 Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg, IL.; 618-253-7114 Weinbrg-King State Park, Augusta, IL.; 217-392-2345

IOWA - Trail Rides Amana Trail Ride, Amana Colonies, Amana, IA.; 319-462-2206, www.amanatrailride.com Natural Gait, Harpers Ferry, IA, 877-776-2208, www.thenaturalgail.com, ntrlgait@acegroup.cc Overnight Stabling Aunt Reba’s Bed and Breakfast, Larchwood, MN.; 712-478-4042 or 888-282-5349: www.auntrebas.com Iowa Bunkhouse, Audubon, IA.; May-September: 712-773-2737 JM4 Rand, Arena, Horse Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Crescent, IA.; 712-328-7593, www.JM4Ranch.com Lewis Bottom Farms, Shellsburg, IA.; 319-436-3323, www.lewisbottomsfarms.com Natural Gait, Harpers Ferry, IA, 877-776-2208, www.thenaturalgail.com, ntrlgait@acegroup.cc

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30 September 2010

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READY-TO-RIDE GUIDE River Valley Horsecamp, Farmington, 319-8783888, www.rivervalleyhorsecamp.com, info@rivervalleyhorsecamp.com MINNESOTA - Trail Rides Bush Wacker Trail Ride Club, Huntersville Fall Trail Ride, Huntersville, MN.; 218-894-0056 Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Overnight Stabling Outback Ranch, Inc., Houston, MN.; 507-896-5550, www.outbackranch.com Public Lands Arrow Head State Park, Tower, MN.; 218-753-6256 Chippewa National Forest, Deer River, MN.; 218-246-2123 Heartland State Trail, Nevis, MN.; 218-652-4054 Lake Louise State Park, LeRoy, MN.; 507-324-5249 Maplewood State Park, Pelican Rapids, MN.; 218-863-8383 North Shore State Trail, Two Harbors, MN.; 218-834-5238 Pillsbury State Forest, Brainerd, MN.; 218-828,2557 Taconite State Trail, Tower, MN.; 218-753-2580 ext.250 NORTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Badlands Trail Rides, Killdeer, ND.; 701-764-8000, www.badlandstrailrides.com

Tennessee Walking Horse Associaiton of North Dakota Trail Ride, Grassy Butte/Turtle River State Park, 701-947-2190 Riding Vacations Knife River Ranch Vacations, Golden Valley, ND.; 701-983-4290, www.kniferiverranch.com Little Knife Outfitters, Watford City, ND.; 701973-4331, www.littleknifeoutfitters.com Public Lands Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom, ND.; 701-973-4331 SOUTH DAKOTA - Trail Rides Blue Sky Ranches, Custer State Park, 520824-1660, www.blueskyranches.com Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer, SD: 605673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Krieger Cattle Company, Burke, SD: 605-775-2113 Riding Vacations Bitter Sweet Ranch and Camp, HillCity, SD: 605-574-2324, wwwbitterseetranchcamp.com Broken Arrow Horse Camp, Custer,SD: 605-673-4471, www.brokenarrowcampground.com Hay Creek Ranch, Nemo, SD: 605-578-1142, www.haycreekranch.net Gunsel Horse Adventures, Rapic City, SD 605-343-7608, www.gusdelhorseadventures.com

Salt Camp Cabins and Bed and Breakfast, Rosebud, SD: 605-747-2206, saltcamp@gwtc.net WISCONSIN - Trail Rides Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Riding Vacations Bremer Creek LLD, Mondovi, WI.; 608-323-3092, www.bremercreek.com Palmquist Farm, Brantwood, WI.; 715-564-2558, www.palmquistfarm.com Spur of the Moment Ranch,LLC,Mountain, WI.;800-644-8783. www.spurofthemomentranch.org Public Lands Black River State Park, Black River Falls, WI; 715-284-4103 Brule River State Forest, Douglas County, WI.; 715-372-4866 Castle Rock Trails, Arkdale, WI.; 608-564-2233 Governor Dodge State Park ,Dodgeville, WI.; 608-935-2315 Haymeadow Flowage, Chippewa Falls, WI.; 715-726-7880 Kerrle Moraine State Forest, Campbellsport WI.; 262-626-2116; 262-594-6200 Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls; 715-382-4574 Token Creek County Park, Madison,WI.; 608-246-3896 Wild Rock Park, Neilsville, WI.; 715-743-5140

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September 2010 31

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Trail Horse

“Bee” Prepared on Your Trail Rides

By Bob Jeffreys & Suzanne Sheppard

As we enter the latter part of autumn, we need to remember that this is the season when bees or wasps are most aggressive and defensive of their nests. We were personally reminded of this fact recently when only one horse and rider team of the four that started out returned to the ranch. We did find the others and thankfully no horses or riders were seriously injured, but they were stung repeatedly and were pretty shaken up. One particular horse took the brunt of the attack and was stung all over his body.

Unfortunately, bees and wasps are a part of life that we can’t do much about so we have to respect their presence, do what we can to minimize attacks, and know what to do if we are attacked. Firstly, try to stay on well-traveled paths; don’t chance veering off into undisturbed areas. In particular avoid dead trees or logs and keep your eyes open for nests in trees.

However prudent we are in trying to be care-

ful, there s t i l l might, and if you trail ride often, probably will be a time when you’ll disturb a nest. Most common are yellow jackets, who nest in the ground. If you accidentally step on their nest, you’ll be dealing with an angry group of flying, stinging insects.

So, if you’re with a group it helps to have a plan. Determine beforehand what you will do if your group encounters bees or wasps. What we’ve learned works best is to have a code word such as “BEES” to be shouted loudly. Upon hearing this word, everyone should be prepared to move away quickly and keep going for at least a quarter of a mile. Most bees/wasps won’t travel further than that, but some may. If the attack hits the lead horse, the rest of the group should leave to the rear and that lead horse should continue forward. You can all meet up again at a predetermined rendezvous point. Try to stay on the horse and get it to move away from the site of the attack. If you are bucked off,

get away as fast as you can on foot – you can look for your horse later.

If a horse gets stung severely, the best thing you can do is hose them off with cold water as soon as possible; check with your vet, but if you can’t reach him or her, give the horse a shot of Banamine (about 5cc’s) to calm them down and administer an antihistamine or a steroid such as Azium. They should be fine and all welts should be gone in a day or so.

If you know that you or any member of your group is allergic to bee/wasp stings, carry the appropriate medicine as prescribed by your doctor on all trail rides. To increase your safety you may wish to carry a cell phone, but lots of trail areas are not near cell towers; that’s why it’s important to have a predetermined meeting place arranged with your group.

Encountering such an incident is not pleasant, but if you keep your wits about you, and leave the area quickly, you should be all right and you’ll have some “new” material to share with your buddies. Safe riding!

Until next time, ride safe!

Bob Jeffreys and Suzanne Sheppard travel nationwide teaching people how to bring out the best in their horses. Their homebase is Bob’s Two as One Ranch in Middletown, NY. For info about Bob & Suzanne’s Wind Rider Challenge, private horse training lessons, riding lessons, clinics, DVDs, books, Horsemanship Ed Courses and ProTrack™ Trainer Certification Programs please visit TwoasOneHorsemanship.com or call 845-6927478. Free horse training downloads, too! ©Two as One, LLC 8/07

32 September 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

WISCONSIN STATE HORSE COUNCIL that is a g o o d match to the princip l e s taught by Mike Riter. We can’t thank C o r r i n e enough for allowing us to host the school on her property and for her help in putting on these classes.

Attendees Corrine Hodapp, land manager Eau Galle; Joleen Stinson, Rock Co Parks; Jane Tabor, Barron Co Horse Trail Assoc.; Kent Rice, Fairfield Business Consultants in IA; Christine Wetzel Barron Co Horse Trail Assoc.; Mike Amman, Bayfield Co Forester; Mike Harris, Castle Rock Horse Trail Assoc.; Ronda Stewart, Rock Co Multi Use Trail Group.

Ken and Julie Carpenter and Margie Kraege of the WSHC Trails Committee acted as hosts for the school, setting up every morning, providing transportation, and providing tools and water during the field work. They also helped in the campground providing morning coffee and weather information. The weather was very hot and humid with heavy storms in the afternoon and evening. On Friday, the area was under a tornado warning and those camping had to move to the block bath house in the next campground.

All turned out well that night. The students could not wait each day to return to the trails to see how their work fared in all the rain. Each was gratified to see the techniques used worked and the heavy rains had no effect on the trails.

John Jones of the WSHC Trails Committee also provided support. The Wisconsin DNR helped to sponsor the school. The tools used during the field work were provided by the Glacial Drumlin Horse Trail Association.

The main support for this project was provided by the Wisconsin State Horse Council.

Without this organization’s continued dedication to the equine industry in our state this annual event would not be possible. The WSHC not only makes the Trails School possible, but also provides funding to saddle clubs and trail groups, making it possible for these groups to partner with land managers around the state to create and improve horse trails.

A big thank you to all that made this event possible.

The Trails Committee is already working on the Horse Trail Design Schools for 2011 and 2012. If you would like more information about the school for next year, please contact the Trails Committee through the WSHC office. The Trails committee is looking at several possible locations for these schools, but nothing has been decided yet. Suggestions would help the committee in their planning.

Visit http://wisconsinstatehorsecouncil.org

Horse Trail Design School 2010 T h e Wisconsin State Horse Council (WSHC) presented the 5th Annual Horse Trail Design School in late June at the Eau Galle Recreation Area, near Spring Valley. The Eau Galle Recreation Area is located about 30 minutes east of Minneapolis and is owned by the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). The property has 8 miles of great, single track horse trails that present a good challenge to horse and rider. A beautiful 10-spot equestrian campground with water and a toilet house completes the wonderful experience.

Mike Riter of Trail Design Specialists was again our instructor. Mike offers certification in his nationally recognized Crew Leader course. The 8 participants received their certification. The 4-day course is designed to give a good working knowledge of how poor trail design results in environmental damage and how and where to place trails correctly to work with nature.

These trails offer improved user satisfaction, less impact on the land of which they are a part, and a reduced need for maintenance due to user impact.

The first 3 days of class were split with half a day in the classroom learning principles and the second half out in the field implementing what was covered in class.

Trail design and layout was the topic on Day 1. The field work was held in the equestrian campground with Mike setting some interesting guidelines that proved to be a challenge to the class as they laid out new trails on the rolling topography. Working as a team using the new “rules” and techniques they had just learned along with an instrument called a clinometer, the class flagged 2 new mini trails. These mini trails were just a training exercise and the flags were removed at the end of the day.

Day 2 was spent practicing newly acquired knowledge of construction techniques and using special trail building tools on a rough and eroded section of trail. Mike Riter and Ken Carpenter (WSHC Trails Committee) had identified this area earlier in the spring on a scouting visit to Eau Galle as needing a better trail design. In the past, multiple ineffective corrective “fixes” were tried. They have all failed. Mike laid out a reroute of the existing trail using the same corridor, following the principles covered on Day 1.

Everyone had the opportunity to learn how to use the hand tools in trail construction. It didn’t take long for each person to get a “handle” on the use of these tools. As the new tread was cut

in, you could see that each person was really starting to understand what they had learned so far in the 2 days of class. At the end of the day, the class stepped back off the new trail section and looked at their efforts and appreciated how this new section fit into the surrounding area.

On Day 3, the class continued building their knowledge and learned how to fix problems on existing trails. Out in the field, they worked on the same trail as Day 2, but in a different area. They had to “de-berm” a section that Mike had picked out. As soil is compacted on the trail tread by traffic on a trail, the edges of the trail must be cut down to prevent water from pooling on the trail. The class was surprised to find how d e e p l y mulch had been applied in the past to this section of trail.

The mulch was keeping the trail wet, causing water to run down the trail instead of across and off. They also constructed a rolling grade dip which was quite an operation because of the size that was needed in this case. It was a beauty when they were done. Rolling grade dips are constructed to help move water off of the trail quickly.

Day 4 was spent entirely in the field. The group again continued the work done on the section of trail that was started on Day 2. Each member of the group had the opportunity to lead the entire crew, applying and using the techniques learned throughout the class. To be certified by Trail Design Specialists, each student was tested throughout the day on how well they could lead and demonstrate the knowledge gained in the last three days. Ken earned his Trail Master Certificate at the first trail design school in 2006 and has helped with each subsequent school since then.

WSHC sends a big thank-you to the Willow River Riders for providing lunches to the class each day. The Willow River Riders also provided a cookout and social on Saturday night. Their support, help, donation of food and time, as well as guidance of the trails and local area, added greatly to the success of our 2010 Trail Design School.

The US Corp of Engineers provided camping at no cost to those attending. The staff of this property was extremely friendly and helpful.

Corrine Hodapp, USACE manager of the property has a plan for trails on the Eau Galle property

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Photo credits - Ken Carpenter

September 2010 33

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Trail Horse

IT’LL BE FINE!

One particular moment sticks in my mind. One of our rides has a very steep hill that descends about a hundred feet. The footing is pretty good

by Doug Lindgren but it still makes most riders wince a bit. Some folks really question their ability to negotiin place, too. This kid has the ultimate in saddle technology and a pit crew that knows what they ate their way down. After looking down the hill are doing. A regular Mark Martin, or was that and getting everyone lined out for our decent I took the lead and who was right behind Roy Rogers? Oh well, you know what I mean.

When I first met Tristan I figured he would me? When Tristan and I got to the bottom we just want to ride some easy forest roads, trails sat and watched every one else make their that were non-challenging would be his cup of trip down. Once everyone made it down looked tea, and he would probably ride for only an hour over at Tristan and knew I was looking at or two. Boy was I wrong; this young buckaroo Hay Creek Ranch’s COWBOY OF THE YEAR. All of the grownups in the group were so came to the Hills to ride and ride he did.

Every morning I plan a ride going out differ- impressed with how well Tristan handled a hill ent directions from camp, some are three hours that, quite frankly, scared the pants off of some of long and some are five to six hours long. Each them. Everyone started calling him COWBOY OF direction offers different terrain and scenery. THE YEAR and it stuck. All Tristan said was Most rides have a nice amount of diversity in the “Going down that steep hill was my favorite ride”.

Earlier that morning when I was planning level of challenges so everyone gets some easy flat riding and everyone gets some rock my ride for the day I ALMOST didn’t take that climbing. Nearly every ride will stretch a fair route because I thought for a moment, it may be too much for my little number of guests beyond buddy. I sure am glad I their comfort zone, in didn’t second guess my which case they are all original plan. My life and surprised what they and everyone else’s lives would their horses can accomnot have been the same plish. had we taken the EASY Back to Tristan. Well, ride. Tristan’s example Tristan didn’t need a spemade a difference for cial ride for himself; he everyone. chose to join me on all of Life gives us easy rides the rides. I must tell you I and it can give us rides that was amazed at how well scare us to death. I have he and his horse did. It did found the scary rides to not matter how tough the be the most rewarding ride was, this duo made because we survive and the trip. Never did I hear become better people from from this cowboy a word the experience. about the trail being too Tristan is a young man rough or too steep or too taking the scary rides, too. rocky. I never heard a word He’s not staying at home about how his horse couldand watching TV, playing n’t handle the long day or video games, and generally that he was getting tired. wasting his time. He has The riding was all about being on his horse, joining his mom and chosen to challenge himself and figure out a close friends in the Black Hills National Forest way to ride horses. He is a special kid that has and forgetting about all of life’s challenges. already accomplished more in his short life than Every time I looked back to see how the young most of us do in a full lifetime. He has faced real cowboy was doing all I would see was a big adversity, more than we can imagine, looked it in the eye and stood up to the challenges in front smile and an eagerness to keep on going. of him. He has found a true love, a love of horses and the joy of riding. He has a great family and lots of friends that care about him.

He knows “It’ll Be Fine”.

Every ride is a training session, sometimes the horse is the one being trained and sometimes the rider is the student. If we are paying attention to our surroundings we will be amazed at what we can learn. More amazing is realizing where the learning comes from. Last month it came from a young COWBOY named Tristan, Hay Creek Ranch Cowboy of the Year 2010!

Congratulations, Tristan!

Doug and Jody Lindgren own and operate Hay Creek Ranch near Nemo, SD. Doug rides 2-10 hours every day, spring, summer and fall, training horses to be great trail horses.

You can visit their website at www.haycreekranch.net

Article VII

As I contemplate writing this article I keep thinking about a young man that camped here at Hay Creek Ranch last month. Tristan traveled with his mom and several of their friends to enjoy a vacation in the Black Hills. Little did I know I was in for such a great week when he arrived.

We had a camp full of trailers with many guests, all of whom were accomplished riders.

Still, Tristan stood out. You see, Tristan is a very special kid that lives to ride his horse. Every time he was in the saddle he inspired all who watched him ride.

Getting ready for a ride was very different for him than it is for most of us.Tristan’s saddle was custom built for him; it looked like a saddle and a race car driver seat all in one. Wow, what a cool contraption. Tristan’s mom and friends would help him up into the saddle. Then they would place a back rest on the back of the saddle that had a special seat belt built into it and arm rests. The seat belt was designed to hold Tristan’s torso in place. He had tapadaros with rubber bands on them to help hold his feet

34 September 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games News Anky van Grunsven, World Champion Dressage Rider, Coming to Lexington After All Anky van Grunsven, World Champion dressage rider is coming to Lexington to compete in reining.

Anky Van Grunsven, the current grand prix freestyle dressage World Champion announced earlier this year that she would not defend her title at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The decision was made in the best interest of her horses’ health. Her Olympic horse, Salinero had injured his withers and her other top mount, Painted Black, was performing inconsistently and suffered from a light injury.

As it turns out she will be competing in September after all – in reining. She was named team reserve for the Dutch reining team in August. She will be replacing Dutch team member Jurgen Pouls whose horse is injured.

Reem Acra to be Presenting Sponsor of Eventing World Championships, Champions Club at Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Internationally-renowned fashion designer Reem Acra will be a presenting sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.The Games will feature world championships in eight equestrian sports at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10.

Reem Acra will be the presenting sponsor of the Eventing World Championships, as well as the presenting sponsor of the Champions Club, the most exclusive offering of the event’s hospitality program. Reem Acra designs will be featured in Champions Club gifts, and in displays at various venues throughout the Games.

Reem Acra has had a love of equestrian sports all her life. “This is my second chance to finally participate fully in the international equestrian community. My first experience was interrupted when I was a young woman growing up in Beirut. I have a close professional and personal relationship with HRH Princess Haya, and when I saw how passionate she was about the FEI, I felt that it was natural to link my brand

to the sport,” Ms. Acra said. “The people who compete in the Games are a perfect reflection of my customer base and I believe that this is a great way to show how the Reem Acra brand is synonymous with elegance and luxury. I am also excited to have my company serve as a presenting sponsor of the upcoming Games in support of HRH Princess Haya and all she is doing as President of the Games this fall. I look forward to visiting Kentucky this season to see the competitions for the first time in the United States.”

Celebrated for her ability to match a look to a woman’s personality, Acra has dressed global icons of style for weddings, red carpet appearances and awards ceremonies. Her following includes Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Beyonce Knowles, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Eva Longoria as well as royal families around the world.

Acra’s ready-to-wear and bridal collections are carried by 150 of the world's most exclusive retailers. These stores include Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and Harvey Nichols in the Middle East. Her designs are also available at top specialty retailers across the world: in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Egypt, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Korea.

Know Before You Go! Spectator Guide Available for 2010 Games Spectator Guide Available for 2010 Games The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are just 50 days away, and spectators now can begin planning the details of their trips to the Kentucky Horse Park to watch eight world championships in equestrian sport.

The 2010 Games Spectator Guide is now available, and can be found under Spectator Information in the “Quick Links” section of www.alltechfeigames.com.

The Spectator Guide includes information about gate times, transportation options, what you can and can’t bring to the grounds, international travel advice, information for local residents, and much more.

The Spectator Guide is a valuable tool with important information about your spectator experience at the 2010 Games. Please review closely as you prepare for your visit!

If you have yet to purchase your tickets to the Games, tickets are still available. Early rounds of dressage, eventing, jumping and reining, as well as tickets for endurance, are available with a 30 percent savings through September 6.

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Tickets can be purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and at 1-888-934-2010.

Accommodations are still available, with a wide range of rates and options open within an hour’s drive of the Kentucky Horse Park. Many hotel options include a shuttle to the grounds of the Games. Also, campground options, private homes,and ticket/accommodations packages are available. For more information, visit www.alltechfeigames.com/accommodations.

Nominated Entries in for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games National Federations for 58 countries have submitted nominated entries for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Nominated entries are submitted pending verification and approval of horse and rider qualifications.

The nominated entries list includes more than 900 athletes and more than 1,300 horses.

This list will decrease some when definite entries for each discipline are submitted to the World Games 2010 Foundation beginning in mid September.

Four nations are currently scheduled to field athletes for all eight disciplines—Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States.

Additionally, 18 nations have submitted teams or individual competitors five or more disciplines.

For a complete list of participating nations for each discipline go to www.alltechfeigames.com/content.aspx?id=4898 Tickets to the world championship competitions are still available for all eight disciplines.

Purchase tickets to see your favorite athlete or team today at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, at your local Ticketmaster outlet, or through 1-888-934-2010.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which marks the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $167 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Kentucky Ale, and the University of Kentucky. For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games please visit, www.alltechfeigames.com.

September 2010 35

Trail Horse

www.horsedigests.com

ry a M k s A

Mary Hamilton answers your training questions!

Ask Mary: What’s the correct way to Tack-up?

“Tacking-up” or putting a saddle and bridle on our horses is a procedure we often, don’t pay much attention to. However, doing it safely and with the horse’s comfort in mind can make the difference between a good start to a ride and a crabby, grouchy horse. Think of it from your horse’s perspective. He is having a great day with his pals in the pasture. You come out and catch him. Then you hastily groom him and throw the heavy saddle on his kidneys, ““whoomp””, with stirrups and straps flopping around. You cinch him up so tight he can’t breathe. You bang his teeth with a cold, metal bit because he won’t open his mouth, and then smash his ears down as you try and put the bridle on. This is how cinchy, difficult to bridle horses are made. Let’s go over the procedures to saddle and bridle your horse with your safety and his comfort as our goals.

Slow the Process Down Grooming and tacking up your horse are just as important as your saddle time. Invest some time in doing it right. This process is an opportunity to check him for injuries and assess his general demeanor for the day. Does he have a lot of energy? Is he distracted or paying attention?

Knowing these answers will better prepare you for your ride. If the weather has just turned cooler and he has a lot of energy, you may need to adjust your ride plans to include lunging him first. When grooming or tacking up, stay in the safety zone whenever possible. That’s the area close to the shoulder, barrel or hip. Take your time. Use slow and rhythmic movements.

Prepare your horse for what is coming next by showing him your piece of equipment and letting him have a sniff before you put it on him.

Saddling Show your horse the blanket before putting it on. Stand slightly behind the shoulder of the horse and place the saddle pad evenly on his back, partially covering the withers. Slide the pad back to its proper place on the back. This movement helps the hair lie in place and can prevent sores. Check that your saddle pad is

36 September 2010

over his midline and you have equal portions of the pad on each side of the horse. It should lie smoothly (no folds or lumps).

Organize your equipment before you saddle up. On an English saddle run your stirrups up and remove the girth. If you’re riding Western, hook the right stirrup on the horn and place the cinches over the seat of the saddle. Lift your saddle up and place it gently on your horses back. Abruptly throwing a saddle on your horse’s back, can injure his kidneys. It can also cause creases and folds in your saddle blanket resulting in saddle sores. Want to know what wearing a saddle feels like? Bend over at the waist and have a friend put your saddle on your back. You will have a new appreciation for saddling procedures. Find the right position for your saddle by sliding your hand up the shoulder of your horse.

The tree or support base of your saddle should sit right behind this spot. If the saddle is too far forward it pinches and inhibits his shoulder movement. If it’s too far back it can put pressure on his loins causing a sore back. Another way to check is to look at your girth. It should hang about four inches behind the point of the elbow .

When positioning the cinch, don’t just toss it over the top of the saddle, burn some calories.

Walk around to the right side of your horse and carefully take the cinch off the seat of your saddle. This prevents the cinch from swinging around and banging your horse’s legs. Return to the left side of the horse and reach under his belly to grab the free end of the cinch. Once you have checked it for twists, you can secure it.

Secure your front cinch loosely at first. Check that the hair under the cinch is lying flat and there are no wrinkles or folds in the skin. These wrinkles can cause pinching. If you see some, bend each of your horse’s front legs at the knee and stretch the leg forward from the elbow to remove the wrinkles.

If you have a rear cinch, use a connecting strap to the front cinch to keep it in place. Always secure the rear cinch after the front cinch.

Tighten the rear cinch enough that your horse can’t get a hind leg caught in it. When you untack, reverse the order and undo the rear cinch before the front cinch.

Now check the front of your saddle to make sure the saddle pad isn’t tight and pulling against the withers. There should be some room between the gullet of your saddle and the pad. Once everything is in place, incrementally tighten the cinch, little by little over several adjustments. I always make my final adjustment after I have walked my horse around a bit, just before I mount.

Bridling Use care and these safety tips to prevent your horse from getting loose while bridling

him. First, place the reins of the bridle over his head, as if you were riding him. This gives you something to grab if your horse spooks or steps away. Then unbuckle the crown piece of your halter and slide it down his face. Rebuckle the crown piece of the halter around his neck. Stand along side your horse when bridling. I see many people trying to bridle their horses while standing directly in front of them. You are in a blind spot where your horse can’t see you. He may toss his head and strike you unintentionally.

Hold the crown piece (top) of the bridle with your right hand. Bring the bridle in front of your horse’s face and slowly raise the crown piece.

Use your left hand to guide the bit. Start underneath the chin. Capture the horse’s nose then slide the bit into his mouth. Your hands need to work in tandem here. If your right hand lowers, the bit can bang the horses teeth and drop out of the his mouth. If your horse refuses to open his mouth press on the bars of his mouth until he opens. Patience is required here. Waiting for your horse to relax and open his mouth is much easier than getting into a battle with him. Once the bit is in, carefully fold one ear at a time forward and under the crown piece. Smooth any loose mane hairs so the crown piece lies evenly over the poll. Secure the throatlatch and any other straps your bridle may have. Check for proper adjustments both for your horse’s comfort and to maximize your ability to steer him. Undo your halter from around his neck and you are ready to ride.

Start your ride with a happy horse. Make this saddling and bridling procedure a part of your everyday safety practice. You will be safer and your horse more comfortable.

About Mary Mary is a Mounted Police instructor and a fully insured ARICP riding instructor. She devotes her creative energy to developing customized training programs to improve show ring performance, mount obedience and despooking trail horses utilizing training methods used in training police horses.

Mary does Horsemanship Clinics, Trail Safety Clinics and also Mounted Patrol Clinics, She also does indiviual instruction and has interactive DVD and Interactive CD-Rom training available. Visit her Website at www.riderselite.com or email your questions to mary@riderselite.com If you have a specific question you would like her to answer in her column please email her at mary@riderselite.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

News

Farnam Adds New Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award At 2010 American Miniature Horse Registry National Championship American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) Youth members now have even more incentive to get their Miniature Horses shining from nose to tail, thanks to a new Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award that has been added to the AMHR National Championship Show. Sponsored by Farnam, one lucky youth member will win a year’s supply of Vetrolin® grooming products during the AMHR National Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 9 – 19.

“The American Miniature Horse Registry is really pleased that Farnam, the makers of Vetrolin® products, has added the Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award. We will also have the AMHR Nationals Open Adult Vetrolin® Grooming Award as we have in the past,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the American Miniature Horse Registry. “The National Championship Show brings out the best minis in the country we want to say a special thanks to Farnam for helping us recognize our best groomed horses and for providing this generous and amazing prize to one youth and one adult competitor.”

The Vetrolin® brand offers a comprehensive line of grooming products that perform to the highest standard and Vetrolin® products are renowned for their essential oils and invigorating aroma that sets them apart from the competition. The ten products in the Vetrolin® line provide a one-stop place to satisfy all your grooming needs and include bath, body wash, conditioner, detangler, green spot out, shine, liniment and liniment gel products, plus the newest additions to the Vetrolin® line: White ‘N Brite™ Shampoo and White ‘N Brite™ A new Youth Vetrolin® Grooming Award has been added to the Body Wash.

American Miniature Horse Registry National Championship Show.

Youth members are a large Sponsored by Farnam, one lucky youth member will win a year’s part of the AMHR National supply of Vetrolin® grooming products during the AMHR National Championship show, and Robb Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 9 - 19. said it is exciting that they now (Photo courtesy of Terry Washburn) Vetrolin and White ‘N Brite have their own grooming award. are trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc. “The youth members work really

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hard to make sure their miniatures are turned out in flawless fashion, and with as many as 5000 class entries this award makes sure our top youth grooming effort will be rewarded,” Robb said.

The National Championships are the highlight of the year for Miniature Horses and classes run during the day and evening. Admission is free and spectators can enjoy shopping in the mini-mall and watching a wide range of classes.

“This year spectators, as well as exhibitors, also have the opportunity to enter an amazing raffle contest to win a pink trimmed harness and an assortment of other prizes, and all of the money raised will benefit breast cancer awareness,” Robb said.

The AMHR National Championship Show offers close to 300 classes for Miniature Horses to enter, from halter and driving to jumping, costume, youth classes and more. “Miniature Horses are big fun for adults and children, so despite a tough economy the show committee is still expecting an excellent turnout,” said Robb.

For more information on American Miniature Horses, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044. For more information regarding Vetrolin® products, visit www.farnamhorse.com.

The American Shetland Pony Club, the American Show Pony Registry and The American Miniature Horse Registry are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club offer a variety of programs for Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. Visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550.

The Natural Gait Total Equine Supplement Triple Cross Design Twin Cities Featherlite Twin Cities Horse Sales Twoasonehorsemanship UBRA Wehrs West 20 Wisconsin St Horse Council www.HorseDigests.com

page 28, 30 page 42 page 42 page 7 page 13 page 32 page 41 page 27 page 27 page 29 page 48

Visit us online at www.HorseDigests.com September 2010 37

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Equine VIP

JANE BESHEAR talks with Equine VIP

by Susan Ashbrook, owner Equine VIP

Equine VIP is honored to share our interview with Jane Beshear, First Lady of Kentucky. An accomplished equestrian, Mrs. Beshear competes with two horses, her thoroughbred mare Big Time Magic and a younger Connemara/Thoroughbred cross Quite a Lady. The First Lady serves on the board of directors of Equestrian Events Inc. which organizes the Kentucky Rolex 3-Day Event. She also supports the FEI World Equestrian Games Foundation Board, which will host the first ever World Games at the Kentucky Horse Park in September of 2010. Mrs. Beshear has served on the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation board for over 20 years, currently as the board’s secretary.

Question: AS AN ACCOMPLISHED EQUESTRIAN, WHEN DO YOU FIND TIME TO TRAIN AND RIDE YOUR HORSE AND FULFILL YOUR GOALS AS KENTUCKY’S FIRST LADY? Answer: Finding time to ride my horses is difficult with my busy schedule as First Lady. I try my best to dedicate weekends to my horses and squeeze in a couple of hours to ride during the week. I find that spending time at the farm with my animals helps me to better focus on my projects as First Lady. My staff understands this need and schedules my meetings and speaking engagements accordingly.

Question: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR THOROUGHBRED MARE “BIG TIME MAGIC”?

(HOW DID YOU FIND HER? HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED HER? ANY PERSONAL STORY YOU WISH TO SHARE) Answer: My trainer found Magic for me about seven years ago when I was looking for a new

38 September 2010

project. To be honest, a chestnut Thoroughbred mare was NOT what I had in mind! However, Magic had all of the qualities I was looking for in an event horse and I could not pass up the opportunity to own such a nice mare. We have our ups and downs, as most horse/rider combinations do, but with the help of fantastic instructors, we work our way through any difficult situations. I also have a younger Connemara/ Thoroughbred cross mare, Quite a Lady, or Prissy, as she is known around the barn, that I compete. These two horses are very different from one another so they help me to strive for improvement each time I ride.

Question: YOU ARE USED TO SPEAKING IN FRONT OF CROWDS OF PEOPLE IN YOUR ROLE AS FIRST LADY OF KENTUCKY. DOES COMPETING AT HORSE SHOWS MAKE YOU NERVOUS? Answer: Yes, I still get nervous before a competition. I find that a healthy dose of nerves is part of the excitement of showing. Usually, my adrenaline kicks in before I go into the ring or the start box, which keeps me on my toes for the

duration of the event.

Question: TELL US ABOUT A FEW PROGRAMS YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH THAT COMBINE YOUR PASSION FOR HORSES? (SADDLE UP FOR SAFETY AND HORSES & HOPE) Answer: One of the great things about being First Lady is being able to combine my passion for horses with worthy causes. I had the idea for Horses and Hope, a breast cancer awareness, education, screening and treatment referral program at the beginning of my husband’s administration. By working with the Kentucky Cancer Program we were able to reach out to the underinsured and uninsured women working in Kentucky’s equine industry. We host breast cancer awareness race days at Kentucky’s four thoroughbred racetracks each year and offer screening services through the Kentucky Cancer Program by sending their mobile mammography unit to the backside of the racetracks. More recently, we have partnered with the Saddlebred industry and will hold our first screening for that discipline at the World’s Championship Horse Show at the Louisville Fairgrounds in August.

I became a spokesperson for the Saddle Up Safely program after representatives from the University of Kentucky approached me about the opportunity. Through this program, we encourage novice and experienced riders alike to keep safety in mind while dealing with horses.

Simple things like wearing a safety helmet, paying attention to environment and your horses’ reactions can go a long way in preventing accidents. Horses are huge, powerful animals and people tend to think of them as really big dogs. We try to encourage the love of the horse while letting people know that because of their size, horses can inadvertently hurt you. I’ve also served for years as a volunteer for the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event and I now sit on the board of directors for the World Equestrian Games. As you can tell, I REALLY love horses!

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Question: AS THE HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, KENTUCKY IS A FAVORITE TOURIST DESTINATION FOR HORSE LOVERS. WHAT ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS YOU RECOMMEND? Answer: The Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see for any horse lover. With more than 1,100 acres of working farmland housing nearly 50 breeds of horses, the Park is truly an equine paradise. Activities and attractions on the Park grounds include a Smithsonian affiliated museum, The American Saddlebred Museum, The Hall of Champions, which is home to many worldclass retired equine athletes, trail rides and hundreds of horse shows each year. Of course, being famous for our racehorses, visitors will want to see some of our renowned thoroughbred attractions.

Churchill Downs in Louisville is home to the “fastest two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby, and houses a wonderful collection of Derby memorabilia in the onsite Kentucky Derby Museum. Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington is one of the most picturesque tracks in the country and offers live racing each spring and fall.

Thoroughbred farm tours are available year round and provide visitors an up-close and personal view of our gorgeous working race farms. Driving maps are also available if you wish to take a scenic drive through the rolling hills surrounding Lexington and Versailles providing unparalleled views of some of our most acclaimed farms. If you prefer to see Kentucky on horseback, we have fantastic

Kent Feeds Partners with Steve Lantvit Horsemanship

and accommodations that truly show the beauty of our state. The Kentucky Horse Council website, www.kentuckyhorse.org, has a list of open trails and horse-rental facilities for those interested in seeing Kentucky the old-fashioned way!

Question: THE ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES, THE LARGEST SPORTING EVENT IN KENTUCKY HISTORY, WILL BE HELD AT THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK. YOU SERVED ON THE BOARD OF THE “PARK” FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND ARE CURRENTLY THE SECRETARY, SO IS THIS SHOWCASE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR KENTUCKY? Answer: Without a doubt. Although the founders of the Park had great expectations, I don’t think anyone could have imagined hosting an Olympic-caliber event when it opened in 1978. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Kentucky and the United States and I, for one, cannot wait until the opening ceremonies!

trails all across the state. Carter Caves State Park, Shakertown and Pennyrile State Park, among many others, offer horse-friendly trails horse. From jumping to cow-work, this range of activities requires a horse feed that can maintain ideal body condition and keep even temperaments – which Lantvit relies on Dynasty® Secure to do.

Thanks to the support of Kent Feeds, Lantvit will be airing his TV show “Sure in the Saddle” on the University House Channel on Dish Network® this fall. This venture will allow home viewers access to Lantvit’s extensive knowledge of resistance-free training methods which develop a last-

Equine VIP is written by Producer/Host Susan Ashbrook who is also developing a TV series based on her interviews with celebrities and top equestrians. For more information go to www.equineVIP.com Equine VIP interviews celebrities and equestrian VIPs because “If It’s About Horses, We Cover It”.

ing trust between horse and rider.

Kent Feeds, with headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, and its affiliated feed business, Blue Seal Feeds, in the Northeast United States, are all part of the family of feed companies now known as the Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. Together they have pioneered the development of innovative products, feeding concepts, and programs to improve efficiency and performance in animal nutrition. More information can be found at www.kentfeeds.com.

Kent Feeds, makers of the Dynasty® line of equine feeds, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Highgrove Farm, home of Steve Lantvit Horsemanship. Highgrove Farm is a 72acre equine facility located in LaPorte, Indiana, which provides top-quality education to both English and Western horse and riders through training, clinics, and lessons.

Lantvit is a professional full-time Clinician, Trainer and Instructor whose goal is to contribute to the betterment of the relationships between man/woman and horse. His dedication and respect in the equine industry makes him an ideal sponsorship match for Kent Feeds, who has been delivering quality animal feeds since 1927.

Highgrove Farm and Lantvit’s programs are focused on cross-training and the creation of the

MIDWEST HORSE

September 2010 39

www.horsedigests.com BARREL RACING BIO’S

Bob Manor of Manor Farms, going strong, enjoying the ride...

Bob Manor was born in 1937 on a farm near Arkansas, WI. His dad, Harold, had Percheron work horses and a large herd of ponies that were used in a traveling pony ring. He later acquired some saddle horses. Bob rode the ponies as a very young child and his first riding horse was one of the Percheron work horses, ridden without saddles. When he was a little older he helped train the ponies and also trained their horses, Frosty and Cricket, to do tricks, which included having the horses sit, kneel, lay down, drink pop and even smoke a pipe.

Bob and his wife, JoAnn, celebrated 50 years of marriage in August 2010 and they have six children: Barb, Theresa, Gordy, Todd, Patti and Chris and 12 grandchildren.

Bob and Barb, Patti and Chris have been very successful showing their horses and Gordy has competed at the Match Races and won saddles.

Chris was the first ever high school girl from Wisconsin to win the National HIgh School Rodeo Championship in Barrel Racing. She also won the AllAmerican Quarter Horse Congress and has had many wins at rodeos, Minnesota State Fairs and the WSCA Champ Shows ,along with Patti and Barb, who have also had many wins at the NBHA shows.

Bob is an active member of the Trailblazers Saddle Club from Pepin, Minnesota, in fact he is a founding member and he first started barrel racing at the Club’s shows and participating in organized trail rides.

His first horse, as stated earlier, was the Percherons on the farm.

He then moved on to Frosty and Cricket and also rode the ponies on the farm. When he was older he got his first Quarter horse “Flicker”. Flicker came from Missouri and Bob has successfully shown over a dozen other horses since.

He currently rides his stallion, Manors Nick Bar. Nick is out of Dr. Nick Bar and was purchased as a weanling and broken and trained by

40 September 2010

Bob. He also shows a palomino mare that he raised named Romances French Gem, out of one of his other stallions, Frenchmans Goldcharm by PC Frenchmans Mark. Manors Nick Bar Babe, a four year old mare, out of Manors Nick Babe, was successfully being shown in the futurities this year but has been side lined due to an infection. Bob stated that Babe won her first futurity and was placing in the 1D at open barrel racing shows, so it was really difficult to Bob and Babe see her side lined. She had such a bright future. of 9.239. Then he almost tied in the Senior As far as gear goes, Bob Jumping Figure Eight when he had a time on Ace uses a Bob Marshall treeless of 16.930 and Paula had a 16.931. saddle on all of his horses, He has had multiple wins at the Minnesota except when breaking them. For State Fair and the WSCA Championship show, breaking he uses a saddle he although in the last few years has been busy originally won that is from RS showing NBHA and other open races. Recently Saddlery. He uses a combination he won several saddles, along with a use of a Nick bit and switches off with a hack- 4Star trailer in 2009, and the 4Star trailer again more, and for leg gear he uses this year in 2010. bell boots, splint boots and polo wraps.

Nick won a saddle for the fastest average Bob’s horses are all outside horses and only time on 3 runs at the Cimarron Sizzler in July this come in the stall to be fed. His feeding program year and a saddle at the 4Star challenge in consists of alfalfa hay, beet pulp and a Cannon Falls. He also was the winner of the Moorman’s feed supple- MBRA maturity. ment. His horses are ridden Some of Nick’s wins in 2009 included: on trails on the farm at Run for the Roses - May 2009 at Fergus least 4 times a week for an Falls, MN – Nick was the high money winner. hour at a time to keep t Barrel Bash at Sherburn, MN - May 2009 – hem in conditon and Bob Nick was the high money winner. believes you need to spend MBRA Derby Maturity Champion - July 2009 time with your horses and at Red Horse Arena, Fergus Falls, MN get to know them. D o not Winner Amateur Select Barrels Ohio Quarter abuse them, they perform Horse Congress October 2009 their best if you are kind to Barrel Champion, Cannon Falls, MN - July them and you only discipline 2009 - 4-Star Challenge as needed.

WI NBHA State Finals - Senior 1-D Barrel Bob described a few of Champion – WI NBHA State Finals 1D Open 3rd the great qualities of some August 2009 of his horses - Nick has WI District 03 Open 1D Barrel Champion - WI many great qualities, he is District 03 Senior 1D Barrel Champion smart, athletic and a real American Quarter Horse Association turning machine. “He just Amateur-Performance Register of Merit for points loves to turn and that quality in Barrel racing and Pole Bending October 2009 has been passed on to all BBR Open 1-D Champion Combined District his foals that I have raised”.

Frenchy produces outstandRomances French Gem was the winner of ing offspring that have been the pole bending futurity at the Fizz Bomb in winners at open shows, Gillette, Wyoming in her futurity year and also NBHA competitions and was named the All Around Horse at the Fizz rodeos. bomb.

One of Bob’s most memorable accomplishThis year Bob has had some successful ments happened in 1987 at the WSCA Champ embro transfers and now has four foals out of Show. He was riding two horses, Ace and Paula, Nick with one filly, and 3 colts, that will be for sale. in the senior game events and had tied himself in Manors Dashing Duke is broke now and started the barrels with a time of 18.191. Everyone was on barrels so now he has another futurity amazed and said that would never happen in a prospect. million years and the very next day he tied himFor more information visit his website at self again, in the senior speed dash, with a time www.manorfarms.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

September 2010 41

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TRADERS CORNER

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Website and Ad Design

Farm Equipment

Advertise in Traders Corner for as little as $20 per month. Call today for information on advertising in Traders Corner, Let people know about your business! 507-943-3355 Your ad is here in print and in our online magazine too!

42 September 2010

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Upcoming Events Remember, call before your dirve Sep. 17 - 18 2010 -Minnesota Rodeo Association State Finals - Red Horse Ranch Arena Tickets will be avaiable at the door, with limited bleacher seating.

Concessions and various vendors for shopping will be available. All rodeo events will be held both performances. For more information call 218-736-3000 or visit our website at www.RedHorseRanchArena.com 9/25/2010 - 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Midtown Tavern, Mankato, MN 56010 - All you care to eat Spaghetti feed to benefit the Sanctuary Horses of Misfit Acres!!!

Music donated by Angry Waters Band and Jason Helder. Come join the fun - Eats lots of spaghetti for $7 - kids under 5 free. each ticket purchased is also a chance to win the door prize! Other activities to be announced as we pull this event together. visit http://www.misfitacres.com 9/25 MN – Wojo’s Horse Training Northern Minnesota UBRA series barrel racing, Wojo’s Arena, Greenbush.

Stacy Stoskopf, sleestoskopf@yahoo.com, 218-3863656

October 2-3 - UMBHA-IBHA show - Jackson County Fairgrounds, Black River Falls Wisconsin. AQHA Special Events, Reining, Heading and Heeling.

Contact Michele Giraud 608 343-5690 October 3, 2010 Hunter Jumper Schooling Show - Huntington Valley Equestrian Center - Paw Paw, MI 44079 Contact Marilyn Murphy - 269-657-0700 October 3 - Good Thunder, Robert Anderson's truck shop - Misfit Acres "Celebrating New Lives for Horses" - 8th annual fundraiser!!! Music by M C Express and Lonesome Ron - SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY SONNY BRYANT OF THE PLATTERS!! Joah's Ark Pony Parties and petting zoo, HUGE silent auction, food sales, raffles, door prizes! Horse drawn wagon rides High noon gunfights featuring the Elm Creek Cowboy Theater Company visit http://www.misfitacres.com 10/2-3/2010 - Fremont, NE -Purina Mills Saddle Series Barrel Race - rankinds@earthlink.net - 712-227-0191 10/5/2010 - Barrel Race - Greenfield, IA -BB Arena Fall Saddle Series -Double B Productions bolling@iowatelecom.net - 641-745-5845

9/25 MN – Ride for Julie Hanzlik Memorial trail ride, Lake Rebecca Park, Rockford. Jenny McDonald, 320395-8381, or e-mail Ride4Julie@Gmail.com

10/8-10/2010 -Lincoln ,NE - Cowgirl Tuff Barrel Bash Barrel Race - Double B Productions - bolling@iowatelecom.net - 641-745-5845

9/25-26 IA – Iowa Buckskin Horse Association Horse Show, Iowa Equestrian Center, Cedar Rapids. Liz Lindner, 319-398-7107, iowa.equestrian@kirkwood.edu or www.iowaequestrian.com

10/8-10 - Octoberfest Horse Show - Located in the Simon Arena; Cannon Falls, MN. Judge: Brooke Jacobs, Georgetown, KY. Includes team challenge for MN High School Equestrian Association Saddle Seat Finals and the NSH Futurity. Contact Bill Couch (952) 423-7519 (Home); (612) 325-2381 (Cell); www.mnhorseshow.com; sofac@frontiernet.net.

9/25-26 MN – Upper Midwest Endurance Ride Association Run for the Ridge Ride, Fairfax. Sarah Maass, 507-426-8385, sarahmaass@hotmail.com 9/25-26 WI – NBHA Jackpot barrel racing, Black River Falls. Heidi Jo Dawson, 262-749-8123 9/25-26 WI – Obstacles: Building Confidence for Horse and Rider workshop with Tracy Porter, The Farm, Milton. 608-868-5432 9/28 IA – BB Arena Fall Saddle Series, BB Arena, Greenfield. Double B Productions, 641-745-5845, bolling@iowatelecom.net Seot.30-Oct. 3 WI – Upper Midwest Endurance Ride Association DRAWarama, Palmyra, Joslyn Seefeldt, 608-868-4070, joslynsfiberfarm@aol.com 10/1-3/2010 - Sundby Enterprises Futurity and Open 4D Barrel Race - R & J Arena, 16498 US Highway 10 Verndale, MN, MN 56481- Over $5000 added for the weekend. Open 4D's WPRA/BBR approved. $1000 added to the futurity. PeeWee Barrels and Open 2D Pole Bending - www.sundbyenterprises.com Oct 1 - Oct 3 - Minnesota Futurity, Minnesota Equestrian Center - Winona, MN - Show Contact: Sally Snyder Tesch Phone: 763-559-4896 October 2-3 - Hunter-Jumper Show - Crossroads Farm - 1671 County Road K -Hartford, Wi. 53027 Nancy Maloney - 262-673-7007 nmaloney@nconnect.net

10/8/-10/2010 -Fergus Falls, MN - Fall Festival of Cutting, Red Horse Ranch Arena, rhra_sally@prtel.com - 218-736-3000 10/9/2010 - 10/11/2010 - Illinois State Buckskin Association Heartland Holiday Circuit Shows - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - Rawlings Arena, Hwy 155 at exit 15, Delavan, IL 61734 - Contact Dan Vincent 815-5629552. Open classes offered for non-IBHA horses. PAC Approved. For more information visit http://www.freewebs.com/illinoisbuckskin 10/9/2010 - Balsam Lake, WI - JJ Arena Saddle Club OPEN Fun Show & UBRA Barr - Barrel Race - Fun Show - julie@jjarena.com - 715-857-5505 10/9/2010 - Verndale, MN - R&J Catalog Horse Sale Auction - Ron Sundby - jms@wcta.net 218-445-5849 10/9-10/2010 - Lindstrom ,MN - Dog Show -Oasis Equestrian Center, Annelise Allan agilk9s@frontiernet.net - 612-205-2256 OCTOBER 9 American Competitive Trail Horse Association Ride (as seen on RFD TV). El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN. Sponsored by Friends of Sherburne County Mounted Patrol. Entries close October 7 Details www.actha.us. Frieda Bruck 612.481.3567

Series - Double B Productions - bolling@iowatelecom.net - 641-745-5845 10/15-17/2010 -Fergus Falls, MN - MN Lakes Barrel Race - Red Horse Ranch Arena, rhra@prtel.com 218-736-3000 October 15-16-17, 2010 - Bluff Country Halloween Ride - offered by Denny's Trailer Sales - Wykoff, Minnesota 55990 - Phone 507 352 5491 October 16th-17th. - Series **BBR pending - Barrel Racing and Pole Bending Jackpot - Showtime Arena, 3845 Oak Park Road Deerfield, WI, 608-764-5555 or 608-692-5050 www.showtimearena.com • showtimear@aol.com

Oct 21 - Oct 24 - Mid-America Mane Event, IL State Fairgrounds Coliseum - Springfield, IL Show Contact: Joy Meierhans - 630/557-2575 Oct. 22-24 2010 - North Central Reined Cow Horse Association - Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Falls, MN - open to the public with plenty of indoor bleacher seating, For more information call 21-736-3000, or visit our website at www.RedHorseRanchArena.com 10/25/2010 - 10/30/2010 - World Percheron Congress - 9:00AM - Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317 - For more information visit http://www.2010worldpercheroncongress.com/ Oct. 29 - 31 2010 - Central MN AQHA Team Penning and Sort- Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Falls, MN For more information call 218-736-3000 or visit our website at www.RedHorseRanchArena.com Minnesota Pinto Horse Association Show Schedule September 11 & 12 2 days, 4 Judges - Red Horse Ranch, Fergus Falls - *WIN A MIKE BRAY SADDLERY MIRROR* Stabling Ron & Karen Clark - 763-682-5324 - Show Office Manager - Ed Neu 763-477-5027 - Visit our website www.minnesotapinto.com November 27th-28th - Series **BBR pending Barrel Racing and Pole Bending Jackpot Showtime Arena, 3845 Oak Park Road Deerfield, WI, 608-764-5555 or 608-692-5050 www.showtimearena.com • showtimear@aol.com January 1-2, 2011Series **BBR pending - Barrel Racing and Pole Bending Jackpot - Showtime Arena, 3845 Oak Park Road Deerfield, WI, 608-764-5555 or 608-692-5050 www.showtimearena.com • showtimear@aol.com Feb. 19-20, 2011 Series **BBR pending - Barrel Racing and Pole Bending Jackpot - Showtime Arena, 3845 Oak Park Road Deerfield, WI, 608-764-5555 or 608-692-5050 www.showtimearena.com • showtimear@aol.com

Please email your event listing typed into the body of your email or a word document.

Email to Mark@horsedigests.com

10/12/2010 - Greenfield, IA - BB Arena Fall Saddle

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

September 2010 43

www.horsedigests.com Place your photo classified here for $20.00 per

Thumbnail Photo Classifieds month just call 507-943-3355 for more info Plus you can also place your ad online at

www.HorseDigests.com For Sale RARE THREE QUARTER PINTO ANDALUSIAN STALLION ORLANDO SGREGISTERED PART BRED ANDALUSIAN,BHS AND PHR MULTI CHAMPION BAY AND WHITE TOBIANO PINTO STALLION, SIX YEARS OLD. 262-325-0283 SELWOODP@IDCNET.COM

2011 FOAL OUT OF SELENE BY PIRI PIRI FOR SALE IN UTERO DUE MARCH 2011- Out of the beautiful Heterozygous Grey mare Selene who is by the Bay Lusitano Stallion Irreal and out of the US National Champion Senior Mare Falicia. Selene is twelve in photos in 2010. 262-325-0283 selwoodp@idcnet.com

Weanling to 5 year old, registerable Spanish Mustangs - Appaloosa, dun, grulla, white, buckskin, 13-14.5 hands, out of one stallion Great Mystery's Blueprint and four foundation mares.

608-583-3045 threefawnmeadows@me.com AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE: BAILADOR DG. GREY SON OF SANTENO KDW Lots of action in the front and push from behind. This is a colt with substantial bone and an upright neck.

Perfect for Dressage 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

Stallions

WISH UPON A STARR- HALF ARABIAN, IOWA GOLD STAR AUCTION NOMINATED - Sir Spattson x Greta Starrbo TM (GG Bask Starr) Extremely nice mare, lively, well-mannered!

BLACK with 4 whites!

Pprofessionally trained. Shown in Halter and Western Pleasure.

816-678-5807, smc1776@embarqmail.com

X NATIONAL CHAMPION PRE (ANCCE) REVISED STALLION SPOKANE! Royally bred w/Rockstar Movement that's been recognized by American & Spanish judges alike, add size, substance AND Movement extraordinaire to your breeding program. 972-746-1457 vintageandalusians@hotmail.com

Peruvian Paso - Ready to take your child to Championships safely, or a great trail horse for a amateur rider, black, 14 hands, with good brio and a smooth, natural gait.

817-594-1597 raintreetack@yahoo.com

URGEL III. PROVEN PRODUCER OF MOVEMENT! ANCCE Revised, 16.1 hands (Danes III by Maja VII). His foals are of consistent quality and have his conformation, power, movement, kindness, and love for people. 940-6860910 ranchoandalucia@earthlink.net

ANDALUSIAN SHORT DESCRIPTION: BUCKSKIN SPANISH/PORTUGUESE 2010 COLT BY SAPHIRO (LEADING CREMELLO STALLION) OUT OF AA DESPIERTA BY DESPIERTO. 262-325-0283

SPOTZ SENSATION, Homozygous! Exotic, Tall & stretchy! Only known grandson of both Hot August Nite & Chubasco!

Great motion, fantastic temperament, Multi Championship Winner.

715-210-5371 clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com

SELWOODP@IDCNET.COM 2009 AZTECA FILLY OUT OF 2008 USEF NATIONAL GRAND CHAMPION HALF ANDALUSIAN - This 2009 filly is destined for greatness as both her sire and dam are multi national champions in halter and performance262-325-0283 selwoodp@idcnet.com

44 September 2010

FAMOUS ECHO SCA - 2001 Bay Tobiano American Saddlebred Champion Stallion, direct son of Saddlebred stallion, The Color of Fame.16 HH, Tested Homozygous, Double registered ASHA and PtHA .

715-210-5371

Trailers TITAN 2H SLANT LOAD, 18’ LQ TRAILER, 7' WIDTH, brand new unused custom builtLQ w/granite countertops, refrigerator, microwave, cook top, range hood, LP heater, 12 volt & 110 lighting, 110 charger, pull out couch, fold down table, sleeps five, full bath w/shower. A lot of storage. Rear tack, New aluminum exterior, aluminum rims w/spare tire, 95% tires, dual LP tanks, dual batteries, awning.This trailer is a 1998 but has seen very little use - is like new all around. You won't be disappointed! $18,500.00 920564-6066 eves. More pictures at www.brugginks.com under used trailers.

2011 TRAIL RIDER ROYAL CUSTOM - 17' LQ, 3H, 12' Slide out, flat screen tv's, Cust. cherry interior, DirecTV satellite, loading ramp,Onan generator, outside grill, electric awning, sofa/ dinette, cook top w/oven, stainless 7.0 refrigerator w/ice maker, enclosed front LP cover, horse fans, ceiling fans, forced air, dual power jack, drop down windows, fireplace, hay pod Loaded! 8 yr warranty 719-269-3749 rlmillerco@wildblue.net

Real Estate RARE OPPORTUNITY 90 ACRES ON RIVER, 2 HOMES, STATE OF THE ART BARN, INDOOR ARENA! Awesome Horse Operation on the MN River! Custom 3 BR 5 BA Log Home is over 5600 sq Ft. with a floor to ceiling River Rock Fireplace in the Vaulted Great Room, 2nd Home and Bunkhouse. 248 X 48 State of the Art Barn.

230 X 85 Indoor Arena.

612-709-1555 yvonneperkins@edinarealty.com

clearcreekarabians@yahoo.com

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Horse Lovers! Would you like to own your ownbusiness helping horses, working your own hours and make about $75 an hour plus excellent sales commissions? 7 Year old company needs reps for US, Europe, Australia, etc. Our success rate is amazing, and we can show you what to do and how to do it. No pushy sales people, please. Ifyou love horses, PLEASE visit the THERAPY page at www.sumereltraining.com to learn more. In 2 weeks you could be in a new career. Part or full time. $5,000 covers all equipment. Exclusive territories and excellent company support. If you already work with horses, this could help you as well. 540-384-6220 ASSOICATIONS International Spotted Horse Registry Association.

Color registry for horses of color patterns. Drafts to Miniatures, Grade to Pureblood, Sponsoring 2010 Online Photo Horse of Color Show! 300 different classes. January to November 1st.

866-201-3098 ISHRPPA@AOL.COM BOARDING www.sunsetridgeranch.com: Heated/cooled indoor - outdoor - roundpen: pasture/boxstall board-training and lessons. Clearwater, MN 320-558-2980.

10/10 EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS Carts, Buggies, Carriages & Sleighs for sale.

Horse, pony & mini sizes. All prices, all in good condition. Also driving horses, ponies & harness.

847/360-9313.

Top quality Animal gifts and collectibles. Vintage style kitchen linen. Equine office decor. Figurines galore! Something for everyone. www.1000figurines.com New leather harness, 3rd generation business.

Team, work, complete with hames, collars extra.

Draft $802.00. Qtr. horse $757.00. w 3 hip - Draft $882.00. Qtr. horse $812.00. Buggy breast Qtr $220.00, Pony $140.00. (651) 222-5616. Website - stpaulsaddlery.com Catalogue - St Paul Saddlery, 953 W 7th St., St Paul, MN 55102 Horse breeds book - Horses of Distinction - Oneof-a-kind reference. Mysteries now revealed by the best informed professionals - North American breed organizations. Descriptions, histories and official standards of some of the most exciting and unique pleasure breeds. Practical guide to registering and showing. Surprising facts and interesting insights. 31 color photos. 91 pages.

10" x 8 1/2". Softbound. 715-265-4226 Fran333@centurytel.net EVENTS 3 Day Equine-Assisted Learning Clinic - Oct 22 & 23, Nov 6. Certification available. $569 includes

lunch each day and all materials. Appleton WI area. pegasusleaders.com. Contact: Dr. Janet Hagen 920 420 3825 or pegasusleaders@yahoo.com 10/10 GRAPHIC/WEBSITE Custom website design, ad design, banners, newsletters, business cards, logos and business promotion. Call for info. 507-525-6691 HORSES FOR SALE Fall Round Up Consignment Sale, Horses, Tack, Equipment, Ontrio, WI Oct 9,2010 10 a.m. OK Corral Highway 131. Contact Ray Miller, Miller Land &Livestock Co. www.raymiller.ws 1-608524-0364 Iowa Gold Star 2010 Half-Arabian Nominated Auction Filly! She is very fancy, with a sweet personality. CR Blonde Bombshell Half-Arabian filly Vanilla Hot Shot (Cremello ASB) x Kismet May Wine (Aladdin-breeding) - 816-678-5807 • 816-665-7030 - smc1776@embarqmail.com SERVICES Affordable Website Design & Hosting. Stallion listings, Banner ads, classifieds, Country Kitchen, Rural Singles. www.stallionstation.com 952.472.1438 REAL ESTATE Southern WI Horse Property. 6.38 Acre Country Home, Horse/Hobby Newer 6 stall pole barn, auto waterers, heated tack room, 80 X 150 outdoor sand arena, and three fenced pastures all with Centaur Fencing! Blooming tree arbor leads to private stream and woods with paths!

Beautiful 2105 sq. ft., 2/3 bedroom, 3 bath home, gleaming hardwood, vaulted living room with brick fireplace and 1st floor laundry. $369,900.

See: www.WIHomes.com, MLS 1546170 for pictures.

Call/email for more info.: AsiaVoight@aol.com, 608-225-1925.

TRAILERS New & Used. Horse • Stock & Flatbeds.

Steel/Alum. Bumper/Goose. Slant, Walk-Thru, Custom. Trailet, Exiss, Corn Pro & more! Full Service. Trades & consignments taken.

Helenville, WI 920/699-8048. www.thecorralinc.com 1987 Trail-et GN 7’X18’X7’ SST Jetstar 3H, Dress Rm, Sidetack, Alum Skin, Fiberglas Roof, Finished 4’ Paneled & Insulated Dress Rm, Lg GN Windows, Carpeted GN - Drop & Flr, Dress Rm Dr w/Window, Finished Side Tack Paneled, 3 Saddle Rks, Bridle Hks, Dr w/Window, 3 Swing Out Feed Drs w/Windows - $6,500.00 Cannon Falls Trailer Sales - 888-263-7212 Cannon Falls, MN www.CannonFallsTrailers.com 2005 Integrity 3H slant load LQ trailer w/10’ short wall - couch, lrg fridge/freezer (6cu), microwave, t.v., sink, lots of cabinets/closet space! Bthrm has sink, radius shower, toilet, lots of cabinets, walk-thru dr! Feed mangers, drop down windows at horses head, sliding bus windows at hip, dbl back drs w/rear tack compartment! Awning, manual jack! (#9701) Arena Trailer Sales, 507-263-4488 Cannon Falls MN sales@arenatrailers.com www.arenatrailers.com

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! $10.00 per month for 20 words, $.15 for each word over 20. Send your classified in with your check or credit card to: Midwest Horse Digest, Attention: Mark (classified) 40694 30th Street, Elmore, MN 56027 or call 507-943-3355 Name:______________________________________ 20 Words = $10.00 Address:____________________________________ # Extra Words ___x $.15 = ______ City:________________________St:_____Zip:_________ Sub-Total: ______ Credit Card#____________________________________ # of months to Run x: ______ Type:________Exp. Date:_________3 Digit Code:______ Total: ______ Phone:_______________Email:______________________ Number of Months to Run:______ AD Category:_________________ Classfied:_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

FRIESIANS,FRIESIANS,FRIESIANS www.excaliburbreeding.com 218-678-4125

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MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

MIDWEST HORSE DIGEST

September 2010

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